Honey From The Rock

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Honey From The Rock
Psalm 81:16

"Sweet Stuff From God's Word"

A daily Bible study with Victor Knowles
Copyright 2007

WHY BRANCHES DON'T BICKER

This entry was posted on 10-31-2008 and is filed under uncategorized.

I have seen and heard of way too many "church fights" in my life to ever want to see or hear of another one! What a disgrace it is - and what a shameful spectacle to the unsaved world - when Christians go to battle with each other. "By this all men will know that you are dorks, idiots, and fools; if you engage in mindless mud fights with one another" (Knowles translation!)

Listen to our Lord as He speaks lovingly to His own. "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you" (John 15:12 NIV). First, notice that this is Christ's command - "My command is this..." If that doesn't stop you in your tracks, nothing will! Christ is our Great Commander. What kind of army would it be if soldiers didn't follow orders? Second, notice the command - "Love one another." Those three words should put a stop to every problem in a troubled marriage or home, between two Christians at odds with each other, or in the embattled church. Third, notice the divine model - "as I have loved you." All the disciples had to remember was how patient and kind and gentle Jesus was with them. Whoa! We're using the language of the fruit of the Spirit here (Gal. 5:22-23). Earlier Jesus gave His disciples the New Commandment. "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another" (John 13:34). There's really no option here. This divine directive comes from the Captain of our salvation. Failure to do so proves we are only psuedo-disciples. I'll tell you one thing. I have seen plenty of grapevines in my life but I have never seen one where the branches were fighting amongst themselves! What a disgraceful sight that would be. What Christ-less carnage! Bruised and bleeding grapes flying all over the place while the branches furiously bicker and battle with one another! Branches who are busy abiding in the Vine and who are bearing much fruit for the Master do not and will not bicker with each other!

Hymn: "Yes, by your fruit the world is to know you, walking in love as children of day; Follow your Guide, He passeth before you, leading to realms of glorious day. 'I am the Vine and ye are the branches; I am the Vine, be faithful and true; ask what ye will, your prayer shall be granted, the Father loved me, so I have loved you'" (Knowles Shaw).