CUFI’s Word of The Week – Are You Jesus’s Disciple? Prove it!

CUFI’s Word of The Week – Are You Jesus’s Disciple? Prove it!

“Turn again, O God of hosts! Look down from heaven, and see; have regard for this vine, the stock that your right hand planted, and for the son whom you made strong for yourself. They have burned it with fire; they have cut it down; may they perish at the rebuke of your face! But let your hand be on the man of your right hand, the son of man whom you have made strong for yourself! Then we shall not turn back from you; give us life, and we will call upon your name!”

–Psalm 80:14-18

In the Old Testament, Israel is sometimes pictured as a vine which the Lord brought out of Egypt, planted, and tended with love and care (c.f. Isaiah 5:1-7). Jesus picks up this imagery when describing His disciples’ relationship with Him in John 15. He calls Himself the true Vine, while we are the branches, and the Father is the vinedresser.

Our vitality as believers is reliant upon our relationship to Jesus; only by abiding (“dwelling”) with Him will we bear fruit and prove to be His disciples. This healthy process is not forced religiosity, however; it is organic growth caused by the Father’s tender care. The natural result of dwelling in Jesus and His Word (c.f. 15:7) is fruit bearing.

One of the primary fruit produced by abiding in Jesus is answered prayer (c.f. John 15:7). If you want to measure your faithfulness, use answered prayers as your barometer.