Saturday August 1, 2020

John 15:16-17

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command, love each other.

The words of Jesus from this passage directly to you and me:

• I call you friend
• You did not choose me, I chose you
• I have appointed you to bear good fruit
• Ask anything in my name and the Father will give it to you.
• Love each other

Christianity, being a disciple, following Jesus is deeply personal. Its about a relationship with Jesus, its about belonging to Him, it’s about following Him reflecting that relationship by the fruit we bear, the life we live, the way we love.

The verses follow up on the call to bear fruit with the promise that if we ask from God, God will give it to us.

A thought I have communicated several times speaks to this,

We must live lives that God can bless.

The verses say God wants to answer our prayers, to give us what we ask for. But it is also clear that those answers come fully in the lives of those who are committed to bear fruit as his disciples, whose intent in the ups and downs of life is to reflect the Jesus that has chosen us.

Jesus chooses us, but we must choose to live the life He appoints us to live. And Jesus promises that if we ask, God will bless that life again and again till we see Him face to face.

I chose you; you did not choose me Jesus said.

What does it feel like to realize that Jesus chose you, called you, promised to be with you, wants to bless you, considers you to be a friend, and is hoping to use you to bear fruit in His kingdom?

What does it feel like to know that Jesus considers you a friend?

Heavenly Father, I want to live a life that you can bless. Forgive me in all the ways I have fallen short in that living. I thank you for choosing me to be your disciple. Thanks for being my friend! Amen.