DAILY READINGS: Deut. 1; Eccl. 1 to 2:11; Luke 6:1-19
Israel is an empty vine, He bringeth forth fruit unto himself. Hosea 10:1
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. John 15:1
Israel was God’s vineyard, but He was disappointed—it brought forth wild grapes (Isaiah 5:1-7). By contrast, the Lord Jesus calls Himself "the true vine." He said, "For I do always those things that please him," (John 8:29). It is little wonder that twice over, the Father rent the heavens to declare His delight in the Son. The Lord Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches (John 15:5). The Father is looking for fruit in our lives. Are we rising to His expectations? Or are we disappointing Him? May the Lord enable us, like our Lord, to bring delight to the heart of the Father daily. —W. H. Burnett
Ours are peace and joy divine, who are one with Christ,
When like branches in the vine, we abide in Christ.—William Reid