"I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship." - Brené Brown
Sometimes, I'm not sure what I am feeling nor how I am supposed to feel during this pandemic. Like so many, I'm dealing with information overload, and it feels like a marathon trying to decipher what reports you can trust. As I read that half of the states are going to be easing quarantine restrictions, I wonder if it is going lead into our new normal or will it cause the second wave infections and more deaths. Only time will tell how things will unfold with the pandemic. During the quarantine, we have been studying through John 14 and 15, trying to learn lessons from Jesus' final moments. Some theologians call this section of the Book of John "the farewell discourse" to His disciples. I also love what the Women's Bible Commentary says, "Jesus speaks to his disciples just prior to his arrest, trial, and death. Jesus prepares his disciples for his departure from them and for their life in his absence" (p. 525). In this section of the Bible, Jesus is showing us how we can successfully live in stressful situations. Tim Gillespie, one of my favorite pastors, says that everyone will live through the end time. Whether it is at the end of their life or at the second coming of Jesus. In this discourse, Jesus is giving us wisdom, promises, and way to follow as we navigate difficult seasons. We don't know if this is the time of the end or another unsettled season in human history. Time will tell as events continue to unfold, but in this season, Jesus wants to remind us of some essential truths. Notice what Jesus tells us in John 15:5-8: "5 Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father" (New Living Translation). One of the most striking statements in this passage deals with the branches that do not bear fruit. Jesus calls these branches useless and says that they wither to nothing. These branches will then be gathered into a pile and burned. Theologians debate if this is referring to the end time, or if Jesus is merely referring to their uselessness. Either interpretation seems plausible, and Jesus makes it sound inevitable and final. Our Savior says this because it is a serious matter. However, if I am reading the Greek portion in verse 6 correctly, there is still hope in this passage. The way that Jesus uses the Greek, He is wanting us to know that we can become fruitful, by remaining in Him, even if we have been withering away. The withering and subsequent burning doesn't have to be our ending. Jesus wants us to know that we can have life through Him. Even if our life has become stale, sterile, and fruitless. The burning and destruction don't have to be the main focus of this passage. Jesus, as our life-giver, sustainer, and renewer of life, can be the main point! The rest of the passage confirms that this is what Jesus wants for us. This connection with Jesus helps us grow. The more time we spend with Jesus, the more we will produce fruit. As a result of this fruit production, it will bring great glory to God! This can only happen by connecting with Jesus. In our Christian journey, we will often hear people tell us that we need to connect with Jesus and have a relationship with Him. Seldomly, if ever, does anyone show us how we can connect with Jesus. We don't see Him, and as a result, we don't know what to do to connect with Him. On top of all that, it isn't easy to figure out because it doesn't come naturally. I remember when I arrived at Southwestern Adventist University to begin my journey as a pastor. As I started attending my classes, I started hearing professors and other students talk about having a relationship with Jesus by keeping up a devotional practice. I had no idea what they were talking about. Worse yet, some of them said it in such a prideful and unapproachable way that I didn't feel safe enough to ask them how to get started. Over the years, this has been a struggle to figure out. I also find that I have seasons where somethings work, but then they no longer work for me. I'm going to share a list of 8 things I've tried to help me grow in Jesus. Some of these things may resonate with you, and others possibly will not. The one constant that has always been important is that you must desire to connect with Jesus. If you don't have that desire, then everything on this list will be difficult for you. Things that have helped me grow and remain in Jesus:
Reading the Bible - Sometimes, I read out of habit, and other times Jesus speaks in powerful ways through Scripture.
Listening to worship music - I'm not going to talk about styles of music but rather music that helps you connect and actively worship God.
Devotionals - Over the years, devotionals have helped me grow in my journey with Jesus. I have found lots of great and free devotionals on the YouVersion Bible app.
Journaling - I don't always have a desire to journal very often, but when I have, it has helped me connect by writing out my story in a thoughtful way. This has forced me to think through my concerns, questions, doubts, etc. It has helped me learn more about Jesus but also me.
Time in Nature - People often call nature God's other book. Being outdoors in nature has a way of reducing stress, clearing the mind, and allowing God to speak to our hearts.
Prayer - For me, prayer has never been a "formal" habit (i.e., kneeling, eyes closed, etc.), but a more informal time of speaking to God throughout my day. We all have an inner dialogue/voice inside our heads, and I have used this voice to communicate with God about my life.
Mentors/Trusted Friends - The Christian journey is not one of solitude, we were not created to be alone. God has really blessed me through these individuals that are further along in the journey than me. Find someone that you trust and ask them to help you grow in Jesus.
Books - I have found that books have helped me grow in my understanding of Jesus. Reading books about Jesus, the Bible, the ancient cultures of the Bible lands, and history. By reading, you gain exposure to things that you have never heard before, and it also challenges you to grow.
This list is not meant to be exhaustive, nor is it intended to be what you need to do to grow in Jesus. These are things that have helped me grow in my journey. May you search for growth in Jesus as you continue to remain in Him. May you grow in the fruit that the Holy Spirit is going to nurture in you. And May you allow the pruning of God, the master gardener, to develop you in ways you never imagined. Grace and Peace, Pastor Geraldo
Discussion Questions:
What have you learned in your journey of growth as a Jesus follower?
How do you feel you grow the best in Jesus?
What makes your journey difficult as a Jesus follower?