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| “You did not choose me, but I chose you…” |
| —John 15:16a |
“Pick me! Pick me! Please! Pick me!”
Every person would prefer to be chosen. Children line up hoping they will be chosen early when teams form to play a game.
Some children bristle with an inner confidence knowing they will be among the first ones chosen. Others look down sheepishly, recognizing that they will likely be chosen last or nearly last.
As one who was always in the latter category, I can assure you it’s no fun to always be the last one to hear your name called. But, at least most of the time, I was eventually and reluctantly chosen.
With a great sense of relief, I can confidently share with you that when it comes to the Team of “Christ-ones,” however, there’s no first or last in the choosing. Scripture tells us that before the foundation of the earth God chose those who would belong to Him. (see Ephesians 1:4)
And, that choosing has a purpose. Notice what Jesus says to His disciples in John 15:16:
“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.”
As you consider your role as a citizen of Christ’s Kingdom, start by rejoicing that He has chosen you and, by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, He has drawn you irresistibly to Himself. Then, obediently seek to more and more become a “fruit bearer.”
After all Jesus has done for us, it should bring us great joy to serve His purpose in and through us. Let’s invite the Holy Spirit to enable our obedience to our Lord.
