We invite you to take a peek inside our weekly Light for the Way devotional series provided for staff.
By Kurt Linn, Director of Spiritual Care at Johanna Shores
“Abide in me, and I in you. 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. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” —John 15:4-5
The goal of our Light for the Way series is to have a “deeper focus on the Word” I love that! Thirteen years ago, I walked across the platform in the Benson Great Hall at Bethel University and Seminary. I will always remember hearing my name read aloud (even though butchered) … Keith … Melvin … Linn. Oh well, even the academic dean cannot get everything right! Receiving my Master of Divinity that day was a special celebration with precious family and friends.
It was not the commencement speaker’s message that I remember that day. It was a professor who came to the podium to share a brief, simple, yet powerful word with us. After reading John 15, he simply said, “Abide.” He went on to say that beyond all the lectures, reading, papers, quizzes and tests, more reading, research, study, faculty and student fellowship…the greatest one thing he would pray for and encourage us in … abide. Abide in Christ. It was a great “word” and one I will never forget.
The word “abide” (or remain) is found 11 times within the beginning verses of John 15. It is significant and gives us a strong picture of our relationship with Christ.
Jesus likened himself to a grapevine and believers to its branches. That picture illustrates the vital union existing between Christ and his followers. The word abide basically means “to remain.” All believers remain connected to Christ in all areas of life. We depend on him for grace, and strength in our obedience. We look to his Word for instruction on how to live our lives. We offer Christ our adoration and praise and we submit to his authority. Simply put, we acknowledge that Jesus is the source and sustainer of all that we are.
Happy abiding!
“Kurt … Melville … Linn.” ????
Pastor Kurt Linn serves as director of spiritual care at Johanna Shores in Arden Hills, Minn. He previously served as campus pastor at EagleCrest (joining the Presbyterian Homes & Services’ family in November 2015). He, his bride Kim and three children (Brennan, Honor, and Gabriel) live in Roseville. Other members of the family are Koa, the adorable golden retriever, and Ace, the adventurous shepherd/husky. PK enjoys music, God’s handiwork, a good movie and popcorn, coffee and conversation. He is the pastor of a house church (The Crux) and loves gathering as the Church.
The Light for the Way series provides staff with an examination of a biblical reading to deepen our focus on scripture. Thank you for engaging with this series as we seek wisdom through prayer and reflection as a Christian Ministry.
Find more in the Light for the Way series:
A living hope
Get to know us: a Christian ministry
Introducing Light for the Way, a new devotional series
In addition to Light for the Way, you can find reflections, devotions, music and other resources on the Pastoral Care resources website.
