His Life, My Life, One Life
"The life of the vine flows silently and fully into every branch—just as Christ’s life now flows through me."
Based on: In Christ by E. Stanley Jones – “Abide in Me, My Words Abide in You”
Photo Credit: Unsplash
E. Stanley Jones guides us to the very heartbeat of union with Christ through one of Jesus’ most beloved metaphors—the Vine and the branches. But Jones refuses to let this picture become a mere teaching aid. Instead, he reveals that Jesus’ words in John 15 point to a present, vibrant, shared life. Christ doesn’t just influence us from above or direct us from afar—He lives in us as His own. We are not merely followers trying to copy a divine example; we are sharers in the very life of the Vine Himself.
Jones brings out the breathtaking truth that the branch doesn't strive to imitate the Vine—it draws from it. The fruit it bears isn’t manufactured effort; it’s the inevitable overflow of union. This is not just theological beauty—it’s practical freedom. When we abide in Christ and His words abide in us, there is a seamless interweaving of His thoughts with ours, His desires with ours, His love flowing freely through our hearts and hands. Christ has willingly tied His earthly expression to us—limiting Himself, astonishingly, to our yieldedness. No other hands but ours. No other feet but ours.
And yet, Jones is careful to maintain the distinction: we are not divine. The Vine sustains us—we do not sustain Him. But in that sustaining, we live by the life of Another. And that, Jones says, is regeneration.
Journal Reflection in the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
You were created for union, not imitation. The Father grafted you into the Son so that His very life would flow through you. This is not about learning how to act like Jesus—it is about receiving My Son as your life. You are no longer separate, no longer trying to become holy through effort. You are already holy in Him and being made like Him as His words dwell richly within you.
The Vine is not a picture—it is your reality. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, neither can you, apart from Him. But you are not apart. I sealed you in Him. His love, His peace, His compassion—they are not distant traits to chase; they are flowing within you now. You are not a house under construction; you are My dwelling. The fruit others see is not your striving—it is His life. Remain where you already are. Rest in what you already have.
He abides in you and you in Him. I orchestrate this union moment by moment. I do not drive you with commands shouted from heaven—I whisper My thoughts in your spirit, and they align with His Word. When you speak kindness, it is His kindness. When you walk in joy, it is His joy. And when you act in love, it is Christ making Himself visible through your surrendered body.
Let this be your rhythm today: not asking Me to make you more like Him, but thanking Me that you already share His life. The Vine is never anxious. The branch never forces fruit. Neither should you.
Scripture woven in: John 15:1–8; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:16; Romans 8:9–11; 2 Corinthians 4:10–11
Prayer
Father, how marvelous it is to know that I do not live today as a solitary struggler trying to measure up. I’m not a withering branch in need of revival—I’m already abiding in the Vine. Christ is my life. Your Spirit animates my words, infuses my steps, and loves others through me. I don’t have to perform—I get to participate in what You’re already doing in and through me.
I trust You to live Your life through me in this moment. I yield to the flow of Your love, Your thoughts, and Your grace. And I rejoice in the glorious truth that the One who lives in me bears the fruit for which You are glorified.
Amen.