What does God want us to do with our lives as believers ? part -3

[Pastor Dr. Michael M Sherrod]

Jesus says He is the true Vine . The word true refers to the ’’ genuine’’ or the ‘’ real ‘’ Vine . In the Old Testament Israel is picture as the vineyard that is a disappointment to God . Hosea described Israel as a luxuriant vine but without fruit ( Hos . 10:1 ) . Isaiah described God’s investment in Israel as a farmer who invested in a vineyard ; but when the fruit was produced , it was wild and bitter grapes ( Isa . 5: 1-7 ) . In Jeremiah , God said to the nation of Israel , Yet I had planted thee a noble vine , wholly a right seed : how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me ? ( Jer . 2:21 , KJV ) . Israel  was so taken with this image of being God’s vineyard that the sculpture over the temple gate was that of a golden vine . In John 15 , Jesus is declaring to the world that He is God’s real Vine . Using the language of the vine-grower , Jesus describes a living union between His disciples and Himself . Just as He is connected to the Father , Jesus ‘ disciples must be connected to Him in living fellowship.