DEEP DIVE: A LECTURE TAKEAWAY ON "HITCHED"

By Joshua Samuel Valido

Hitched, the topic for September's PHWE focuses on the significance of being connected to God. The term "connect" comes from the Latin roots "con," meaning together, and "nectere" or "necto," which translates to bind by obligation or to create a liability. I find this definition intriguing because if someone is bound to another by obligation, their separation could lead to serious repercussions.

Bp. Paul Hernandez reminded us that our connection to God is not a fleeting experience; rather, it is a lasting bond, much like Jesus described in the book of John, where a branch remains attached to the vine. Along this "hitched" journey with God, Bishop highlighted three important aspects we must focus on.

First and foremost, let's keep in mind that we are consecrated to the vine. Many in this world may appear as vines, offering power, happiness, pleasure, and various temporary delights. However, the genuine vine reveals your true purpose, which is, in fact, the initial step towards fulfillment. This authentic vine is none other than Jesus Christ. As believers, we must recognize that the true vine should be our sole and ultimate source.

The final two points to consider are: we are connected as branches and are connective as one body. While being connected and connective may sound similar, they represent two distinct concepts. Being connected refers to the condition of being in contact or having a recognized link with someone or something. This is often demonstrated through participation in church gatherings and Christian fellowships, such as Powerhouse Weekend and Sunday Grace Celebrations. Meanwhile, connectivity refers to our ability to forge connections. Just like the branches of a grapevine, which extend and create more branches, we too can be interconnected. Each of us can be a branch linked to another, which in turn connects to a larger branch formed by an even bigger one attached to the vine. Ultimately, as nutrients flow from the vine to all the connected branches, we can affirm that we are all directly linked to the source. Being connective involves the conscious effort we make to not only anchor ourselves to the source but also to help others connect to it as well.

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. - John 15:4-9 (NIV)

Knowing the true vine, staying connected, and being connective are all crucial for bearing fruit, which is ultimately the purpose of being a branch. In John chapter 15, Jesus instructs us to do three things: remain in Him (v. 4), allow His words to abide in us (v. 7), and remain in His love (v. 9). These are essential practices that enable us to produce abundant fruit, just as He intended. Now that we grasp the reasons and methods for getting hitched, it is time to start bearing fruits!

References:

• Oxford languages (languages.oup.com)

• Cooljugator (cooljugator.com)

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