Multiplication is the fruit of intimacy

Experiencing multiplication is the norm of the Kingdom and it is for this that we were created… God put in all that is living the seed for multiplication, we see this from Creation (cf. Genesis 1:12 ,22). In this passage from John, Jesus describes this as bearing fruit, stating that we are called to bear much fruit (cf. John 15:8). When we talk about fruit here, we are not talking about the fruit of the Spirit (cf. Galatians 5:22) but about disciples. An apple tree gives apples, a horse gives horses and a disciple gives disciples… We always reproduce ourselves according to our kind, it is the multiplication that we are called to live, to make many disciples…

To multiply is something simple and natural… If we take up what Jesus says in this text, the branch does not make an effort to bear the bunches of grapes, that is normal. Likewise for us, making disciples and multiplying is normal and natural. It's not just for a few people, it's for all who have chosen to obey Christ and His commission (cf. Matthew 28:19). You are called to live multiplication for your life...

In this single verse, Jesus mentions three times the word “abide” and this is certainly the primordial element for experiencing multiplication. It is because we are in intimacy with Christ, that we are one with Him, He in us and we in Him that we (cf. John 17:21). Abiding is a state, a position in which we are constantly. Sometimes people talk about entering the presence of God, which implies that we have come out of it… And that is unfortunately often the case. We tend to approach God in order to then do our life and our occupations.

Christ's call and desire is for us to learn to abide in Him, to realize that without Him we can do nothing (cf. John 15:5). Abiding in Him and He in us involves recognizing our total dependence on His presence and His life. To keep our hearts constantly centered on Him, to remain in an attitude of dialogue with Him, to invite Him into our daily life, that He be the One who leads and inspires us at all times and in a natural way. Our lives influence those around us and as we abide in Him and He in us, it is His love and His life that will influence them. Naturally we will make disciples by conveying the reality of the Kingdom of God and people will want to know Him.

Intimacy with Christ, abiding in Him and Him in us is something that develops. The question is how can you abide more in Him, what habit can you develop to encourage this? Take a moment to think about it and then speak with the Holy Spirit and say to Him, “I will…” help me…

God has blessed you richly so that you bless abundantly ...

Luke