My Confirmation Verse

My confirmation verse is "’I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples…’” (John 15: 5 – 8) It has helped me to weather many storms. My research again reminds me “The vine is frequently used in the OT as a symbol of Israel (e.g., Ps 80:8–16; Isa 5:1–7; Jer. 2:21). When this imagery is used, Israel is often shown as lacking in some way. Jesus, however, is “the true vine.’” (Concordia Self-Study Bible. "Lutheran edition of the NIV study Bible” (Jn 15:1)). Each of us must remain firmly attached to Jesus the vine. “The believer has no fruitfulness apart from his union and fellowship with Christ. A branch out of contact with the vine is lifeless.”(Concordia Self-Study Bible. "Lutheran edition of the NIV study Bible" (Jn 15:4)). Our lives tell the tale. If we remain in Him we will bear much fruit if not, we die. “The figure of the vine and the branches emphasizes the vitally organic nature of the disciples’ communion with their Teacher and Lord. He initiates that communion and they remain forever dependent on Him; they can bear fruit only by virtue of their continuing union with Him. Jesus’ comment on the figure makes clear what the figure in itself cannot express: that their union with Him is conscious, personal union, involving responsibility and God’s judgment on infidelity involving the conscious resolve to do His will which finds expression in prayer, in keeping His commandment of love, and in sharing the joy of their Lord… The disciples ‘on their own’ are failures.” (Concordia Self-Study Commentary (99)). The issue here is one of obedience. Jesus is the living example of how we are to be obedient to the Father just as He was here on earth and still is in eternity. As I look back on my life I can see where I have remained tightly fastened to Jesus, the true vine, during times when I have remained obedient to His calling and will. These have been times of great spiritual growth and much fruit bearing for the Lord. There have been times of disobedience where I almost withered away and died spiritually. Thankfully He is the initiator, not I. He has always restored me. I thank God that my pastor picked this passage for my confirmation verse. Now I can proceed forward with it firmly implanted in my being, knowing I can bear much fruit as I remain obedient to Him. I remember asking God to help me remain in Him just after the pastor finished saying the verse and helping me to stand......You are my Vine dear Jesus. I am just a branch that realizes its dependence on you. I depend on you for nourishment and the courage to hang on to you no matter what may come. I reconfirm this verse first spoken over me at my first confirmation. Without you I am nothing. With you I can function far beyond my own strengths. Thank you for your Holy Spirit which gives me the power to believe this truth. It guides me into all kinds of service for you and keeps reminding me where the strength really comes from.