United with Christ.

Sunday's service included the reading from John 13, the passage that tells of Jesus washing the disciple's feet.  As Sonia read (she reads so beautifully and with such passion for the word)  from this chapter, I got the impression that as Jesus said "I have given you and example to follow.  Do as I have done to you.", that we are indeed to be united with Jesus in service.  As I listened to her reading, my eyes fell to the communion table.  I felt God showing me, as I partake in Holy Supper, I am uniting myself with Jesus.  And this means I am united with Him in service and am to follow His example of humility and servanthood.

This week I have been back in "The True Vine" by Andrew Murray.  In this identifying myself with the Lord, I am to remember that it is His life that flows through me.  I am the branch and He is the Vine.  In John 15:12, I am told:  "This is my commandment: Love each other as I have loved you."   So to follow His example, is to love others, to serve others, with the power that flows from Him, the Vine to me, the branch.

I loved this section of the book where it stated: "This is the joy of being truly branches--abiding in His love, and then giving up ourselves in love to bear fruit for others.  Let us accept  His life, as He gives it in us as the Vine".

I love the way God fit this all together for me, starting on Sunday with the reading, and the communion table, to the chapters on verses 11 and 12 of the 15th chapter of John.  I love the way God just strings together visit after visit, building His principles one atop the other.  We are to move from identifying with Christ, to truly abiding in Him and Him in us in order to share His love and live in service to others, bringing glory to Him.

Thank You Father, for the teachings You give.   For the gift of life, love and joy You give when we abide in You.  Create an awareness in each of us of this minute by minute abiding.  Let us not leave that place.