Heard It Through The Grapevine: Tales From The Kitchen and John 15:5,6

OK, I’m not talking about the song today. I have long pondered over grapevines as I’ve devoured cluster after cluster of delicious grapes. When grapes are first picked their vines are green, supple, smooth and almost impossible to break. Left on the vine the grapes seem to last longer and stay plump and juicy. After a stay in the fridge each day the vines seem to become just a little harder and prickly. The grapes that fall from the vine don’t last as long as the ones that remain attached. So here’s what I heard from the grapevine…..First of all I am reminded of John 15:5,6 which is Jesus’ words and says, “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. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers;” and it goes on.

So that old grapevine just gets harder and harder the longer it’s off the vine. Just like a Christian that decides he doesn’t have to attend church with other believers. The further away from church he roams the harder he gets, forgetting his first love, Jesus. He becomes so prickly he can draw blood with his words, attitude and actions. Hebrews 10:24,25 says…”And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” I think the Bible makes it pretty clear why we are to remain in fellowship (attached) with one another. There are many other verses that make this abundantly clear.

I hope when you hear that song, I Heard It Through The Grapevine, you will be reminded why you need to remain in church with other believers. And if you don’t have a church, find one. Make certain it is Christ centered, Bible believing and you can’t go wrong with your choice. Oh, and the watercolor above is mine.