Scripture. John 15:3-4
3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
Have you ever wondered if you were up to a challenge? One of the greatest challenges to athletes is mental, and not physical. I remember a time, long ago, when I was asked by my softball team to be the pitcher. It was just a church team and I was just a kid. They were giving me a chance to try out pitching. But, there was something else going on as well.
Being a pitcher is challenging. It isn’t just throwing the ball that is difficult. Pitching in front of a crowd, and not wanting to let down your team with bad pitches — that’s the real challenge! I could see that I was being given a chance to pitch. But, pretty soon I could see that no one else want that “opportunity.”
I wonder if the disciples felt “up” to the challenge of following Jesus. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that they had some reservation, especially when it came to their own abilities. The perfection that they had seen in Jesus, must have caused them to look at themselves and tremble.
Having good sense of our imperfection is called humility. The Law of God shows us our sin so that we will know the truth and be humble before Him. In faithful repentance we are then allowed to see our Savior who has truly come to save us through His death on the cross and resurrection.
As we continue to listen to the teachings of Jesus in faith, God prunes and cleans us spiritually through repentance and forgiveness. He cultivates the new life of faith in us. This is God’s work in us. Through this miraculous work, God makes us His new creation.
Thus made new, we are clean, as Jesus told His disciples. As we remain connected to Him in faith, we are clean! How is this done? God’s work is accomplished in us as we receive His gifts, gifts in His Word, remembering the promises of our Baptism, and regularly receiving the Lord’s Supper. Through these means, commanded by our Lord, we are made fruitful by His power. God who created all things, continues to create a new heart and life in us daily.
So, are you up to the challenges that you are facing? Through faith in Jesus, yes ! As Christ is Risen, so shall He strengthen us all in all things to accomplish His Will.
And this is His will:
That all people will know the truth about themselves and repent. That all people will know the truth about God in Jesus and believe.
That all people through faith in Jesus will have eternal life in the end.
That all people will through faith in Jesus live their eternal life today, in faith towards God and in love towards one another.
LET US PRAY
Lord Jesus, strengthen me when I feel that I am not up to the challenges that I face today. Help to take my eyes off my own inability, and instead confess my imperfections, and trust with all my heart in your power to save. I thank you for forgiving my sins, and cleaning my life of all that detracts from your perfect love. I thank you also, that you are able to meet the challenges in my life. I look forward to what you will do in me today. May I be a fruitful branch in you, the true vine. AMEN
The Lord’s Prayer