DEVOTION – DAY 568

John 15;16 “God’s Call To Serve”

John 15:16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in my name, the Father will give you.” 

The background to these verses is as follows: Jesus Christ told His disciples that he regarded them not as his followers but as His friends. He went on to tell His disciples He had chosen them and had appointed them to bear much fruit, fruit that is lasting. Jesus Christ was not telling His disciples that He was giving them total freedom to ask anything from God, the Father. What He meant was that if they were going to bear much lasting fruit in His name, the disciples could ask, God the Father to equip them, to assist them to fulfill all that they have been called to do in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. His instructions also apply to all Christians today as well. Jesus also regard Christians as His chosen friends. Jesus has appointed Christians to bear lasting fruit. Christians can also ask God to help them in the exercise of their service for the Lord. 

We know a Pastor and his wife who felt a strong calling to start a home for orphans, but nothing happened. They could only pray and wait for God’s timing for them. Along the way, they had their own children. Then, the Lord answered their prayers and they came across an abandoned child. They recognized it as the start of their work for the Lord. From one child, they began a new work that grew into a large home for orphans and children of single parents. After many years, this couple had helped raised several hundred children to adulthood and they all became Christians.

We also know a couple who were challenged to teach the Bible to some young adults in their city. Whilst the husband was prepared, his wife felt inadequate. We prayed with the couple for the Lord to strengthen them and to equip them for this new work. They were willing to commit the call to serve the Lord in their prayers. The Lord gave them peace and over time, they received training and gained confidence to lead and teach. Today, it is more than 8 years since they started teaching young adults. Looking back, they were glad that they answered God’s call for them to serve in this worthwhile ministry.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you for choosing us, and preparing us to bear eternal fruit for your glory. Help us to obey your plans for us and to always seek you first in all that we do for You. We humbly pray in the wonderful name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. How has the Lord chosen you? Do you know what His plans are for you to serve Him? Share.
  2. How have you been praying to the Lord for His equipping, and how have you used His help to serve Him to bear much fruit?
  3. What happens when we disobey God’s call to serve Him thinking we are not good enough, or we give other excuses? Discuss.