Know, Grow, Show. Reflections From John 15Намуна

DAY 5 - CLEANED NOT CUT

VERSE 3 - you are already clean by the Word I have spoken to you. 

The word “cleaned” is the same as “pruned” or already prepared by pruning. Cleansing and pruning are two sides of the same coin. Cleansing is what we also call Justification. We are made righteous. We have been declared clean by the Word. Pruning is Sanctification, which is an ongoing work throughout our lives. 

We will always go through seasons of pruning. Being made clean is a one time event that was accomplished when we accepted the finished work of the cross in our lives. 

Verse 3 tells us through His WORD we are cleaned or pruned. When we read and reflect on His word, it is like holding a mirror up to our hearts and we allow God to cut away things that are not helping me be fruitful. 

The account in Luke 22:24 tells us what the disciples just got pruned from i.e their desire to be the greatest. He gave them an object lesson by washing their feet. When I know His Word, I know His will and heart for me. Just as a gardener guides the branches on the trellis, His Word in us will guide and shape our lives. 

Jesus is not interested in "dressed up Christianity" but the real deal. He said that we will be known by the fruit we produce in our lives. When I stay close to Him, abide in him; that intimacy leads to a deep revelation of who he is. In knowing Him I know what makes him happy and I begin to align everything in my life. The desire for intimacy with Him makes me want to change. So revelation leads to transformation. 

I would like to end this first part by reminding us that connection is critical. Without this, we are like scattered pieces of twigs that have no life or life source. We will never be able to bear fruit in this way. We will never be able to enjoy true communion with Jesus. Let us get stuck in, abide, remain, stay connected. Pursue this connection passionately and see if your life will not change.

REFLECT AND ASK YOURSELF | So what is the Holy Spirit putting his finger on today? We don’t want to read another devotional and not be inspired or challenged by it. If you need something to be cut off from your life – a habit, an addiction, a relationship, a behavior, surrender it to God. His grace comes to empower us. Is there some heart attitude or even behavior that needs to be pruned back to make you more fruitful? Is The Word shaping and guiding my life? Make it your mirror, your compass today.