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“Remember Me”

These two simple words also account for one of the many powerful prayers in the Bible. Remember me is a common phrase (prayer, request) among people who care for one another and even sometimes strangers. One of the best Bible stories, is the story of Hannah (1 Samuel 1:11). Being childless and dejected she committed herself to God through prayer asking for a son. She made her promise of what she would do with the child if God answered her humble prayer. Her key word in her prayer, was ‘remember me.’

Samson also used this prayer asking for justice against the Philistines who had hurt his eyes. He said, ‘O Lord, remember me, I pray thee (Judges 16:28)’ and his prayer was answered. Another key moment was the crucifixion of Jesus. One on the two thieves crucified with Jesus, looked up at him and said to him; “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him that very moment and granted this humble prayer (Luke 23:41)

Now over to you. I don’t know how many times I too have asked people to ‘remember me’ in their prayers or activities. in addition, I have friends and strangers who also have asked me to remember them. It is a good feeling to know that someone ‘remembers you.’ Every now and then getting a phone call from a long-lost friend just makes the day brighter. Do you ask the Lord to ‘remember you’? The words ‘remember me’ appear over 40 times in the Bible…let this be a hint. Ask the lord to remember you for whatsoever you need but also be ready to add, “not my will, but thy will be done.”

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Vine and Branches

The analogy given by Jesus on the vine and branches carries such deep messages in it (Just like the other analogies). Allow me to dive in this one a little further. For anyone who has grown any kind of plant that is composed of the main vine and then runner branches, it is easy to relate to the imagery here. Truly, speaking, once a branch is cut off the main vine, it withers and dries up…no exception. In addition, once a branch is broken or cut of, so dies any fruit on that branch.

As a farmer, tending the vines includes pruning and trimming off extra vegetation to promote better fruit growth and size of the fruit. Most vines are hardy and will grow excessively given the right environment. consequently, one has to be diligent enough to control the vines and their branches to achieve maximum fruit growth and size.

Now, let turn this to God and Christians’. As a Christian, or follower of Jesus, one has to remain attached to the Living Water and Bread to grow and bear any kind of good fruit. This may sound simple, but God has given to us ‘free will’. It is this free will that leaves us with a very important decision on the direction of our lives. We have a choice to remain attached to the Source (God) or like the prodigal son, ask God to give us what we think we are entitled too and then go squander it away doing evil and bearing bad fruit (At least we know God is merciful and does not desire the death of a sinner – one is always welcome back!)

Those that choose to remain attached to the Vine (God) go on to bear much fruit (Fruits of the Holy Spirit) and even do greater works strengthened by the Holy Spirit. Not only that, God, prunes these branches (by facing trials and tribulations) so than they bear maximum rewards and good works. Just like iron is tested by fire, a Christian is tested by temptations. The choice is primarily the will of the Christian. That statement alone should send a chill of fear down the spine…but Christ says, fear not for I am with you always.

The analogy of the Vine and Branches includes another key statement that unless a Christian in attached to the God, one can do nothing. O how true this is! I mean one can still do something, but it amounts to nothing. Unless, God builds, one builds in vain. The elements of nature buffets such works and wash them away. Needless to add, what does it befit one to win the whole world and lose one’s soul? The choice is clear…or so I think. Remain attached to the Vine (God) and you will bear much fruit. Amen.