Practicing Resurrection - Abide

John 15. 1 - 8

Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.

What do you think of when you hear the word abide? Some synonyms include tolerate, withstand, await and accept without objection. In John's gospel, perhaps Jesus is suggesting all of the above as well as dwelling in just as the branch does with the vine...fully attached, interwoven, braided together.

The word abide has always fallen in the category of gentle words for me. When I am abiding with someone I feel a sense of holy presence and holy being, not tolerating or withstanding, but pure acceptance. This beautiful hymn (which I think I have known all my life) might be the reason for my perception of abide...listen to it and see if you glean from it the same peaceful presence.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless

Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness

Where is death's sting?

Where, grave, thy victory?

I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.