Nothingness

Nothingness (by David Peterson at The Rock Of Jesus Church)

On the last night of His freedom, Jesus talks to His disciples and reveals heavenly wisdom. In John 15:5 Jesus tells them; “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.” This section has Jesus defining the relationship between Himself and His followers. Jesus uses the metaphor of Himself as the “True Vine” and the implication is that His followers, as branches, receive their spiritual lifeblood from Him.

If we abide in Him we will be productive. However, Jesus delivers the truth by saying if we do not abide in Him we are not able to do anything. It is the ultimate “nothingness” to be cut-off from the life-giving, living Lord.

16th century pastor and author Matthew Henry wrote; “Those who abide not in Christ, though they may flourish for awhile in outward profession, yet come to nothing. The fire is the fittest place for withered branches; they are good for nothing else. Let us seek to live more simply on the fulness of Christ, and to grow more fruitful in every good word and work, so may our joy in Him and in his salvation be full.” Henry echoes the words of Jesus and he goes on the say what happens to branches that are cut-off from our Messiah.

Mylon Raymond LeFevre wrote his first song in 1963 and it was entitled “Without Him”. It proved to become very popular and it was recorded by many people and groups, including the Gaithers. The complete song follows;

Without him, I could do nothing

Without him, I'd surely fail

Without him, I'd be drifting

like a ship without a sail

(Chorus)

Jesus, oh Jesus.

Do you know him today?

Please don't turn him away.

Oh Jesus, my Jesus.

Without him, How lost I would be

Without him, I'd be dying

Without him, I'd be enslaved

Without him, life would be worthless

But with Jesus, thank God I'm saved.

(Chorus)

Without him, How lost I would be.

Let us pray: Perfect Lord Jesus, teach us to abide in you, and be fruitful, and advance your kingdom all through your words, and guidance, and holy inspiration. Amen.