I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 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. I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. (John 15:1-11 NRSV)
Don'tcha know that everybody
Is a radio receiver
All you gotta do
Is listen for the call
Turn your radio on
(Turn your radio)
Turn your radio on
(Turn your radio on)
If you listen in
You will be a believer
Leanin' on the truth
That will never fall
Get in touch with God
(Get in touch with God)
Turn your radio on
Turn your radio on
Albert E. Brumley (1939)
We use various images to describe our connection to God. As a gardener, the imagery of John 15 always speaks to me. I am connected to Jesus and a branch is connected to a vine. Even in my darkest moments, I feel connected to Jesus. As the child of parents from Oklahoma, I grew up hearing different versions of Oklahoma songwriter Albert Brumley’s gospel song, “Turn your Radio On.” ?“Don'tcha know that everybody Is a radio receiver. All you gotta do is listen for the call. Get in touch with God, Turn your radio on.”? With a poet’s heart, I look for God in images old and new. Solar panels are popping up in fields and on rooftops most everywhere where the sun shines. They make me think of prayer. When the sun shines onto a solar panel, energy from the sunlight is absorbed by the cells in the panel. This energy creates electrical charges that move in response to an internal electrical field in the cell, causing electricity to flow. When we allow God to shine on us through our prayer life, our faith is charged to allow ministry to flow. Whether we are branches, radio receivers, solar panels or some other image of connection we are sustained and energized through a prayer life. Look for the images that remind you of the connection to the Holy.
Merciful God, we are grateful for the many ways you make Your presence known to us. We are grateful for the ease with which we can connect with You and for the sustaining power that flows from this connection. Help us to stay connected to you to empower Your ministry in the world.
Amen