John 15:16 “You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.”
These words were shared for the purpose of giving His disciples confidence and honor. They were His friends because He wanted to befriend them. Let us remember, Jesus’ enemies intended to shame Him by calling Him a “friend of sinners.” The transforming power of His love was bestowed by grace. He did not call them friends because they initiated the relationship. Rather, they found favor with Him because of God’s grace and an eternal purpose determined by His Father. The apostle Paul commented on this great gospel truth of God’s election when he wrote, “God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity” (2 Tim. 1:9). What is the purpose for which we were chosen by God in Christ Jesus? To love with Him. To go through life with Him, laying down our lives, suffering for the sake of the gospel, displaying the fruit He produces in answer to prayer inspired and encouraged by the knowledge of God’s will for them to be fruitful branches. Do we live with that awareness of His purpose, promise, and honor? He has honored us by choosing, appointing, and empowering us to live to love with Him for the glory of the Father. Be encouraged today in the eternal purpose of God revealed in you as you live to love with Jesus.
Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com
