“Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.”
Jesus said that there are branches in Him that don’t bear any fruit. How could that be? It means there are Christians who are in such a condition that they aren’t able to be fruitful with their lives for various reasons.
The Message Bible says: “He cuts off every branch of me that doesn’t bear grapes. And every branch that is grape bearing he prunes back so it will bear even more.”
The term “takes away” or “cuts off” here doesn’t mean to destroy, get rid of, or throw away. Jesus would never do that. It means to lift up, to raise, or to weigh anchor. The reason we may not be bearing fruit is we are pressed down by storms so we are too low, in the dirt, and covered up with mire.
Jesus will lift us up, wash our leaves and stems and hang us on a pole where we will once again be in the son shine and therefore bear fruit for the glory of God. Isn’t Jesus a great caretaker?
Even when I am unfruitful, Jesus has a way to lift me up and make me productive.
- Reading Plan A: Acts 14
- Reading Plan B: Matthew 4
- Reading Plan C: Job 35-37; Acts 14
by Tim Davidson
Excerpt permission granted by
Word of Faith Church & Outreach Center
Called to the Body of Christ as a pastor and teacher, Tim Davidson pioneered Word of Faith Church in Bismarck in 1980. He served as its Lead Pastor for 35 years and now serves as Founding Pastor. Pastor Tim has pioneered 6 churches in North Dakota and now serves as Regional Director for Rhema Ministerial Association International. Teaching believers foundational truths from God's Word is his passion.
He has authored 3 yearly devotion books that are used both here and overseas to help believers become "rooted and grounded" in their faith.
God is now calling Pastor Tim to share the treasury of wisdom and knowledge God has given to him with other pastors and churches.