John 15 vs. 5 (BSB)
I am the Vine, and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I, in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me, you can do nothing.
There is a city that goes by the name of Maribor, found in Slovenia, which is a European country that borders Austria and the Balkans region. This city harbors a beautiful and miraculous history. Located within its borders is a grapevine that is more than 450 years old and still bears fruit.
This city dates back to the 12th century and was under the control of the Habsburg dynasty, which welded great wealth and power but also made it the object of many attempted sieges.
This city was able to withstand three significant attempts to be sieged and overthrown. The Hungarians tried in 1480, and the Ottoman empire had two failed attempts in 1532 and 1683. With each attempt at a siege, the city only grew stronger by way of its development and its infrastructure.
The Vine, which is affectionately known as the “Old Vine,” remains against the wall where it was planted long ago; it has endured many battles, many fires, and many pestilences, but each year, it still produces about 122 pounds of grapes. The roots of that Vine run deep into the ground and find their nourishment from the Drava river, which is why it still stands 450 years later, despite the constant attacks it has endured.
Because the strength of the Vine is ensured, the branches can bear much fruit. The question for you today is: What are you connected to? Where is your source of strength? Are the things that you place so much value with, in order to withstand the battles of adversity, the fires of affliction or the attack of pestilences? When the hard things come and attack your life, are you still able to produce fruit, or do you fold like a deck of cards?
If your answer is the latter, then it is time to connect to a more reliable source. God is the ancient of time—the one and only true Vine. Your longevity and very survival depend on your connection to Him.
