Over the years the LORD has given me a number of what I call are: “Life Verses”. Almost from the moment I read them, they took up residence in my heart and mind and have become guideposts along the way.
One of those verses I would like to share with you. It is John 15:16,
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you. I appointed you that you should go out and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give it to you.”
In the first century Palestine, disciples would usually take the initiative and connect with a particular rabbi that they wanted to learn from. There was a well-known dictum at that time that said, ”Provide yourself with a teacher.” The thing that is significant about John 15:16, is that Jesus broke with tradition and He called His own disciples. Folks, He only calls but He also appoints.
1. He calls us into a life-transforming relationship with Himself.
2. He appoints us to a life-satisfying role in serving Him.
3. The goal – produce fruit that lasts.
Note: The astounding thing is that He had all of this in mind before we were born. Listen to what God said to Jeremiah 1:5 “I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born. I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations.”
Here is the clincher – everything I have just shared, God had in mind for every person reading this meditation.
1. A relationship with Jesus for everyone.
2. A role that satisfies – producing fruit.
In John 15, there are several truths I want to bring to your attention.
- Branches that don’t produce fruit are useless. (15:2).
- Branches that do bear fruit He prunes so they will produce more fruit.
- We can only produce fruit as we abide in Him. (15:4)
- Bearing fruit is God’s primary creative concern. 15:8, “My Father, is glorified by this; that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.”
The good news is that all of this is accomplished by God working in us.
Phil. 2:13 – Paul declares, “For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose.”
· Are you in a relationship with Christ?
· Are you producing fruit for His glory?
· Why don’t you yield your life to Him right now for His sovereign purpose?
Do not let the Corona-virus hinder you from being fruitful today.
God Bless You,
Pastor Leonard
