Storm Fruit
Laura Digan
April 22, 2025
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Listen to this daily worship
John 15: 2-11 (NIVUK)
2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 ‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9 ‘As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
The past few weeks when out walking with my Dad, I have become aware of trees that were irrevocably damaged by Storm Eowyn — that seem to be now bearing fruit… We are even seeing this in trees that have been uprooted. Both me and my Dad love trees so we are really sad to see these trees that are actually dead sprouting leaves and fruit. They are only doing so because of the past growth and health of the tree, the sugars that were still present in the trees. After this initial burst of energy there will be no more growth, no more life.
This image has sat with me in my heart as I think it is a symbol for some churches and Christians who have fallen away from the teaching of our Lord, who have fallen away from listening to our Lord. Who think they can do things on their own strength, instead of in and through the strength of our Lord. Who have fallen away from communicating with our Lord in prayer. Who have fallen away from fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. There might be signs of life, perhaps small signs of fruit, but that is only leftover energy from the past, when they were attached to the vine alive in Christ.
To flourish and to bear good healthy fruit, we need to be attached to the vine. We need to have that relationship with Jesus. We need to be connected to him… at all times!
Prayer:
Lord Jesus
You are the true vine
In you we live
In you we flourish
Help us to grow strong with you
Bearing fruit for your glory
Amen
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