“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.” John 15:1.

It is quite easy to get caught up in to Churchianity versus Christianity; doing those things and practices that appear to be religious and upright in heart…but are only things that satisfy the carnal ego and not the spiritual nature… diverting our attention away from God and on to self.

Dr. Richard Booker, MBA, Ph.D. writes of an interesting Jewish concept the illustrates and interesting concept that points our direction to follow Christ-the true source of all nourishment for the soul.  Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandman.” John 1:15.

“At the time of Jesus, a golden grapevine was draped across the four columns at the entrance to the Temple. Titus Flavius Josephus records that its beauty was such that it was known as a marvel of size and artistry to all who saw with what costliness of material it had been constructed.

The Mishnah says that people would sometimes make a freewill offering by purchasing a golden leaf, berry, or cluster which the priests would then attach to this vine. Often those who gave generously to the Temple had their names inscribed on the golden leaves. This was a custom that all were familiar with in Jerusalem.

When Jesus depicted Himself as the True Vine, He was undoubtedly contrasting Himself with this artificial vine, suggesting that if the disciples would offer themselves to Him to the degree that people offered their substance to this golden symbol, the result would be abundant spiritual fruit.”

As born-again believers, we can sometimes focus on the religious symbolism that has been embedded in our hearts for years…but the true source of all nourishment for spiritual growth and eternal life is Jesus the Christ- the true vine!

May God help us all to follow after the light of the world- Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior- who guides us through the power of the Holy Spirit to forsake things that feel good, look good, sound good, having no spiritual substance… and lay hold to those things that produce much fruit within to run this Christian race for the kingdom of God! “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” Galatians 5:22-23.

God blessings and grace be with us all!