Chosen to Bear Fruit

~~~ Acts 15: 22-31 ~~~ Psalm 57 ~~~ John 15:12-17 ~~~

"It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you

We tend to think that it is best if we are in control of all aspects of our lives. Some people even struggle with letting others help them. Some think only they can do things 'the right' way. Today God is saying, 'you cannot go around boasting about your accomplishments, because it is all done through me.'

Have you ever gone to chose a pet? Maybe you go the the local pet store or maybe you prefer a rescued dog from the local shelter.  No matter where you go the preocess is the same. You go by all of the cages looking for the perfect pet...the pet that will love you and respond to you. When at last you find that perfect pet; it is the one with the wagging tail, the bright eyes wth a playful nature.

You chose the one that in effect chooses you.

You might say it is mutual affection from the beginning.

Now imagine if you will how much more profound is the choosing when God is doing the choosing. The thought of being chosen by God should fill your heart to overflowing with his abundant love.

God has chosen each of us, called us each by name. The sad reality is that some do not respond even after God has chosen them for his own. God on the other hand does not require us to respond before he will love us. We are his creation, we belong to him. It is right for us to return our affection through praise and worship.

Along with being chosen by God comes our responsibility.

and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain,

With this gift of being chosen comes the sending forth. God does not want us to sit at home and relish in how special we are for being chosen. No. He wants us to go out and bear fruit. Do something with this gift of love.

Go out and make a difference in someone's life even if for just a moment or possibly for their lifetime. It is not always apparent when we are able to bear fruit by our actions, words, or prayers. Perhaps when we get to heaven we will have the blessing to see the good we brought forth with our lives tha we never knew. The flip side of that may also be true...in case you were wondering.

so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you."

Because you were chosen you can freely go to the Father ask for what you need. Asking and at the same time accepting that God knows what is best for us. God knows what we need to help us grow in holiness.  

When you are chosen you need not be anxious about approaching the Father.

He will only look upon you as his beloved chosen one.

For if your new pet chews up your favorite shoes; you will still look into his bright eyes and forgive his puppy playfulness.

Of course you will scold him, but with love.

We are not God's little puppies so imagine how much more loves us...

his chosen sons and daughters.