Branching Out

June 24, 2021

He grows green in the sun, And his branches spread out in his garden.

~Job 8:16~

How blessed we are to be a part of God's family! How glorious it is to be an extension of His Body! We are all made so very unique to come together for a mighty purpose, to serve the same living God in heaven. As believers we are all connected to the same center just as Jesus' analogy of the vine.

"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser." (John 15:1)

Jesus is our Vine and we are all of His connected branches. How we choose to benefit the vine will allow the plant as a whole to either become hindered or complete. Another example of individual branches attached to one being is of course the golden lampstands described in the book of Exodus; "He also made the lampstand of pure gold; of hammered work he made the lampstand. Its shaft, its branches, its bowls, its ornamental knobs, and its flowers were of the same piece." (Exodus 37:17)

Each piece unique yet in itself of the same. This beautiful picture of Christ's Body reflects how we see ourselves in day to day communication with Him and with others. As we branch out to meet the needs of our calling we are still connected to the same frame of eachother. There is opportunity to bring others into that piece, His garden increases and fills in, just as He longs for it to. The tree and its branches provide shade and protection from the scorching heat; "Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree." (Genesis 18:4)

The golden lampstands strategically placed to give constant light; "Speak to Aaron, and say to him, ‘When you arrange the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the lampstand.’ ” (Numbers 8:2)

As we branch out individually we come into agreement of the same end game plan; to send a message of God's love and protection and to shine forth the light of Christ into each setting. We grow in each situation as we rely on our centerpiece, Jesus Christ. Without Him, we cannot work on our own. Even a flashlight cannot work without its body structure. Everything has its own team of parts to fulfill its intended purpose.

"remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father." (I Thessalonians 1:3)

Jesus is building us each up to a moment when we can come into complete harmony, be of the same mind and function best attached to the same Body. Even as the Lord has us branch out into different things; we must not forget who we function off of, who we are getting our ability and strength from and the blessing we have as a whole. Let us abide in our frame, which is our Father in Heaven. Lets take a step forward but never a step too far forward, forgetting where we come from. The unity of one vine, one tree and one lampstand has the beauty of bringing to pass multiple blessings to those who are looking for love, life, and light. Jesus is encouraging individual strength but where one fails we are there to lift another up so that the whole piece does not suffer in its growth; "For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up." (Ecclesiastes 4:10)

This Kingdom is growing each day and we should be so very exuberant with being a part of it! There is truely nothing like it! As we continue to play our part in the Kingdom, the Lord, the frame of every handiwork; will be very pleased. Branching out and remaining together makes declaration of the Lord's work to the world around us. Time to use our role wisely.

Prayer:

Father God, thank you for being the center of me which keeps me firmly in place yet gives me enough room to move around in the will You have placed for my life. i am grateful for every aspect of Christ's Body and I pray that each branch comes to understand its own function and the completion all in the same. Our Kingdom is within us and we have the power to walk in it. Remind me to focus on You each moment of my day and guide me how I can help the remainder of branches stay safe and secure anyway I can. Praise, glory and honor be to the One who called me into His Family and anointed me to teach, pray and minister. Lead me in my calling so I may be clear on my purpose. I do not wish to compare or mock. I want my walk to remain genuine in Your will. I love You Lord and I am blessed to have You to rest upon and to be attached to. Let my spirit align to Yours, my mind be more like the mind of Christ and my heart be softened to Your word. In the Name of my divine King, Jesus Christ, I pray and receive this glory. Amen.