Chosen
“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 I had to guess, being chosen for something significant is one of the greatest feelings in the world. It brings a sense of validation—whether it’s the reward for hard work and effort or recognition of who you are as a person meeting the needs of something special. There’s truly nothing like it!
Reflecting on my life, I can pinpoint moments that mean everything to me simply because I was chosen.
Christy chose me to be her husband. I was chosen for certain jobs and roles throughout my career. I was chosen to play on multiple sports teams. I was even chosen by my mom to have life, which is probably the greatest of all. Without that choice, I couldn’t experience the rest.
I was born via artificial insemination. Irene Taylor was 39, single, and content with life. She wasn’t seeking a husband or pursuing dating, but she deeply desired to be a mom. Through working with doctors, consulting with friends, and a divine miracle from heaven, I was born! It has always been just the two of us. I don’t have any brothers or sisters, and I’ve never met my biological father or his family. It’s just been me and her.
What’s different about being chosen by her versus the other things mentioned—whether it be a relationship, career, or sports—is that I couldn’t earn that choice. With Christy, I could win her heart by being kind, considerate, patient, and loving. For my job, I could outwork and outperform the peers around me. On the basketball court, well, I could make plays like no one else. In those places, I could justify my being chosen. With my mom, it’s a completely different story. I was chosen simply because she wanted me.
My mom choosing me is much like how Jesus has chosen us. The God of all creation looks down on His people and actively chooses to be with us and to love us fully. There is no way to earn more love from Jesus—the only option is to receive what has already been given!
The driven part of my life struggles with the thought: “If I serve, love, give, sacrifice, etc., more, then I will receive more love or be more blessed.” Yet, no matter what I do, I can never earn more of what has already been given.
In the Gospel of John, we see Jesus having a conversation with His disciples. He says, “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.” The disciples never did anything to earn their appointment from Jesus—He simply chose them. In the same way He chose the disciples, He has chosen you and me! He desires for us to live lives that honor and please Him. A life of repentance and “bearing fruit” that abides (Galatians 5:22-23).
Have you ever been chosen for something? How did that make you feel? How does that compare to knowing that Jesus has chosen you?
Your life is significant! It has meaning and purpose! Most importantly, the One who gave you life desires to live life with you.
Would you receive this prayer today?
Jesus, I pray for the one reading this devotional today. You know who they are because You are the One who breathed life into their lungs. You knew who they would be before You ever created the world we live in today. You have given them life and purpose. My prayer today is that they would receive You and the gift of life You offer. Thank You, Jesus, for choosing us. We give our lives to You now and forever. Amen!
If you made a decision to follow Jesus today, we would love to help you find a life-giving church that can help you become everything Jesus has created you to be! Shoot us an email at info@the31.co, and we will help you find a church home and live a life of purpose!
