You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. (John 15:16, ESV)
If you are a regular reader of the Links Daily Devotionals, you will know that for several Fridays, we talked about “Remembering.”
If you missed it, I encourage you to pull it up at the Links Devotionals! You can also subscribe to the daily devotionals by clicking this link- https://bit.ly/48RbBc8
Do you remember when sides were chosen for pick-up games when you were a kid? Everything from football, baseball, basketball, and even golf matches; sides were selected, and the fun began.
Depending on your skill level or what others thought about your talent, the anticipation of when you would be chosen could cause your anxiety level to rise.
It always felt good to be selected early in the draft and not be the guy left standing to hear someone say, “You take him or her; we don’t want him.” Ouch! For some, hearing those words may still have a sting. The truth is, we all want to be wanted.
Think about the talented high school or collegiate amateur athlete waiting by the phone while the draft begins, hoping and possibly praying they will be chosen high in the draft or just chosen by a professional team with an opportunity to play at the next level.
The Creator of the Universe, who spoke this world and our life into existence, chose you and me! He picked us to be on His team. And it had absolutely nothing to do with our talent or our potential to help Him win. He did it out of undeserved love. The question is, will we accept the invitation to join Him and be part of His family?
There were times during our youth pick-up games when we were chosen, but we didn’t like the captain or perhaps someone on the team, and we would pick up our ball and leave. We didn’t have to accept the invitation to play on that team. It’s up to us to accept it or reject it.
Have you accepted God’s invitation to join Him? Do you understand He chose you? He wants you. Jesus gave up His life in obedience to His Father, died on the cross, was buried, and rose victorious three days later so we could be forgiven and allowed to be in a relationship with God, to be on His team.
We don’t have to accept His invitation; however, everyone in our Links family hopes you have or will.
And since He chose you, Bear Much Fruit!
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for choosing me and for being my Savior and the Captain of my soul. Help me to bear much fruit!