Dwell
I’ve been tempted to move from Sheridan, go someplace easier, direct my energy and love toward an easier group of people, a town of finer amenity, a more thriving economy. I’ve heard stories of the Sheridan that was, and a whispered longing in our town for a return to the day gone by. But we are not who we were, nor will we be again, for we are now what we ARE now. It is time to re-invent ourselves, as it is time for me to re-invent myself.
My first step in that process is to remember who I am designed to be, according to the words of the one who designed me. I’m taking inventory of all that has been spoken to me or through me or about me, as I know to be from God, and confirmed by others who have known me.
One of the words that I remember hearing clearly when I came to Sheridan is the word “dwell.” This morning I thought I’d look up the definition of that word. Here is what I found:
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1. To live as a resident; reside.
2. To exist in a given place or state: dwell in joy.
3. a. To fasten one’s attention: kept dwelling on what went wrong.
b. To speak or write at length; expatiate: dwelt on the need to trim the budget.
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At Hollywood SDA church I was introduced to the practice of dwelling in scripture. I noticed an immediate impact in my own life and a profound phenomenon in the group that practiced this together. There was a streamlining of thought and spirit that resulted in amazing and ongoing transformation of a community.
I have chosen, before this week, and especially now at at time of crucial decision, to dwell in John 15. For the next 27 days, I will dwell in each consecutive verse, one at a time. I’ll share some of my thoughts here. You are welcome to dwell with me.
Verse 1: I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
We begin with introductions and the presentation of ID. By way of credential we are informed that what follows will be spoken from the perspective and with the authority of, the TRUE vine, as compared and contrasted with various other vines. Had I spent more time in the vineyard during my encounters with the wine industry, I imagine the illustration of the vine itself would carry more significance for me. But what does strike me here is the word TRUE. There are many (or at least several) vines; one is true.
To me the vine suggests provision and resource. It’s what the leaves are plugged in to, and it’s what the fruit comes out of. It’s a conduit of resource that moves both supplies and information.
What I need for survival and fruitfulness is supplied by the one who identifies himself in verse one: I am the true vine, and my father is the gardener.
Yes, we need to dwell in the TRUE vine where real lives begin. Nothing else matters when you have the nourishment from the TRUE vine. The Gardener knows best..