Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Called to be sent


Jason Thomas,
Epiphany MTC, NY

16 You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name.
 
In 2002, the cover of a well-known sports magazine Sport Illustrated contained a picture of a high school basketball player called LeBron James with the title ‘Chosen One’ as the headline.  LeBron James was labeled as the next Michael Jordan, a player who would transcend the sport and win multiple NBA championships. Being the ‘Chosen One’ put a target on James’ back and a huge yoke on his shoulders before he even played one NBA game. In John 15:16, we read “You did not choose me, but I (God) chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit”. Not only are we chosen, but we are chosen with a purpose – to bear fruit.  But God doesn’t leave the yoke of bearing fruit on our shoulders alone; no, he acknowledges that anything we need we can “ask in My name the Father will give you”. Furthermore, He promises  to send us the “Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in [His] name, [and] will teach [us] all things and will remind [us]  of everything [He has] said to you” (John 14:26).  The title of John 15 is the “Vine and the Branches”.  As the branches, we are an extension of God to those that do not know Him in this world.  Christian’s read the Bible, non-Christians read Christians. In our work places, our schools or our neighborhoods, our interactions with others may be the very first experience they have with Christ.   Are we living our lives in a way that is worthy of being called Christ’s ambassadors (2 Cor 5:20)?  Some might wonder, but I am just one person, what difference can I make?  One person can make a difference - Jesus did.

PRAYER

Father, we thank you for being our True Vine. Instill in us the wisdom and grace we need to be a true reflection of You.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
As Christians we are called to be different. God made us different because we can make a difference.




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