John 15 BRANCHES... SERVANTS... FRIENDS Different, yet composed of material that's the same "The True Vine," and the branches - there's difference in the name But when joined together, the objective is made very plain - Fruit, to bless God's people.
"The True Vine," perfect in every possible way Bringing life from the Source in words that say - "I AM ... My Father ... ye are - attention pay - Bear fruit, be My disciples."
So, the branch remains, by the Father lifted up And life flows through even though occasionally cut That through the branch, fruit is formed to fill a cup - To satisfy and bless the people.
When the branches fall down, it is raised and cleansed That earth's contamination and disease will truly end Through that branch again the True Vine does send - Fruit to bless the people.
The servant listens and hastens to obey His job is to act on what the Master does say A faithful servant acts now - not waiting another day - To do the Master's will.
For the servant to find joy and full satisfaction He doesn't hesitate or linger, he takes immediate action To do the Master's will and reach the goal without distraction - His will is to do the Master's will.
The more a servant serves each task to complete The greater is his joy when at his Master's feet He places a finished work he doesn't need to repeat -
He faithfully serves his Master still.
Between the Master and servant develops a unique relationship The objectives both parties have, bring a special fellowship That by the passing of time and sharing produces a lasting friendship - Between the Master and servant who does His will.
Now not just a branch, though fruit is still produced Through faithful service a fellowship is induced To those who look on, a real friendship is deduced - The branch-servant is now the Master's friend.
The extent of that friendship is sacrificial love The effect of that friendship is change that comes from above The expression of the friendship is intimacy each does have - Toward the other because they are friends.
The One who initiates that friendship is the loving Savior The goal of that friendship is fruitfulness that flavors The bond they share, as toward the other they favor - The friendship they now both enjoy.
So now from branches and servants, and also friends There are blessings coming to all that on unity depends That fruitfulness abides based on love that never ends - Between the True Vine and those who are His.
"Father in heaven, I thank Thee for tending with loving, continual care this fruitful vineyard in which I have a small part. It is one of the major concerns of my life that I will be found abiding in the Vine always that the Lord Jesus Christ will in every way be glorified. Amen."