“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit . . . You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit–fruit that will last” (John 15:8, 16)

The meaning of the Greek word for glory (“doxazo”) here is “to be revealed for what something or someone really is; recognizing the true substance of a person or thing.” A full moon is glorious, but it glorifies the sun whose light it reflects. We glorify God by bearing fruit. That is, fruit bearing is how we reveal God to the world so He can be recognized for Whom He really is. This is because the Spirit of God produces the fruit therefore it has the nature of God inherently in it. We’re simply the branches that bear the fruit that the Vine produces. 

Notice that Jesus didn’t choose us to get “results.” Robots, machines, and assembly lines produce results. We bear fruit. This requires an organic relationship of continuous fellowship with Jesus, the Vine from whom we draw life and sustenance. Results glorify us. Fruit glorifies the Father. And, this is why Jesus chose you! There’s fruit He plans to produce through you that will reveal the Father to those around you so that they will recognize Him for Whom He really is. Abide in Him.

You will bear much fruit. This fruit will last. And, this fruit will glorify our God.

© Paul R Downin