IN MERCY
“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:2 NIV
Mercy is when you do not get what you deserve from someone in whose power it is to punish or harm you.
One of the most merciful attributes of God is found in our theme scripture. The term used ‘cut off’ is the greek word airō that has a two fold meaning.
For example sticks, weeds or dead plants that bear no fruit and even may contaminate the rest, may be cut off, gathered together and thrown in the fire. The flip side of the word airo is that it also means picking up. They may be branches that may not have the necessary nutrients but can be bled (in agricultural terms) into a healthier vine and pick up on the growth through that pruning technique, and will live again.
In other words, God’s mercy can cut off dead branches in His vine while in the same way it picks up dying branches and grafts them back into the vine that they may receive life. This is essentially the work of the cross, where Jesus, the one true vine (John 15:1) bled that we who were estranged from God may be picked up and be grafted back. Selah!
Prayer: Father I thank you for this word. I thank you for the gift that is Jesus and the sacrifice of calvary. I thank you for salvation and the immense privilege to come to your throne without fear but boldness. I go from glory to glory, as my light shines brighter and brighter to the glory of your name! Amen.
CI.
