Dwelling constantly
What does it really mean to abide? Try these. ‘Unceasing, certain, changeless, constant, durable, enduring, immovable, firm, reliable, steadfast, or unfaltering.’ I like to think of it as ‘dwelling constantly’. I resonate with this because it implies a living, personal relationship that never ceases, no matter what. It’s not “catch and release”.
Jesus spoke to the churches in Revelation 3.20. Lean into this. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Nowhere does it say he plans to leave. For he clearly said; “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Mt. 28.20b).
His word
In John, Jesus uses the parable of the vine and branch. The only way the branch (us) can survive and prosper, produce fruit, is to stay connected to the vine. See, alone, detached from the life-giving vine, we are hopeless. For he says that “without me you can do nothing”. That’s abundantly clear why we must abide in him.
So, how do we do this? He is the Word. The scriptures are all about him. So, the only way we can stay in an abiding relationship is through his word, empowered by his Spirit. The more we know about God, the more we will want to stay in a secure, binding relationship. Prayer helps for sure! Jesus said it himself. “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you”. (Vs. 15.7) Whoa!! What an absolute promise of a victorious, fruit producing life for his kingdom. Believe him and ABIDE!!!
