In Hampton Court in London there is a vine that is believed to be the oldest in the world, thought to have been planted in 1768. It's root is twelve feet around and it's branches average producing between 500 and 700 lbs of grapes every year. Many of the branches are far removed from the beginning growth, yet still produce the fruit that was produced in the early stages. In the same way we see the continual power of the life of Christ demonstrated year after year in His followers.

Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). The vineyard was symbolic of the nation of Israel (Isaiah 5:1-2; Hosea 10:1; Psalm 80:8-9). In this we find Jesus as the perfect type of the old testament shadow. He is the true, genuine vine, producing the good fruit that that the old vineyard was failing to produce. The good fruit is now produced through His branches, that is His disciples, as they abide in Him. Under the pruning hand of the Father in heaven the disciples are cleansed as they submit to His word (John 15:1-3). Come and learn of Him. Be a branch for the Lord.

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