Wednesday – August 25, 2021

Scripture

John 15:16-17

You did not choose me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that Abba God will give you whatever you ask in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

Words of Hope

When I was in elementary school I was one of those kids who never got chosen for team sports.  I was always the last or near the last pick.

I was a nerdy slightly heavy kid and had little ability in anything to do with football, basketball, baseball, or soccer.  I was asthmatic so I couldn’t run much and my hand-eye coordination was sadly lacking.  Additionally, being raised in a Jewish home, I had always heard we were the chosen people, but as Tevya says in Fiddler on the Roof, “I know, I know. We are Your chosen people. But, once in a while, can’t You choose someone else?”  It seemed to me that kind of being chosen singled me out, but rarely had positive results.

That’s why this passage resonates with me.  Jesus says he chooses us!  Finally, a team I get chosen for!

He makes it clear that we are to go out and bear fruit, the kind of fruit that lasts.

To me these words tell me to go out and do the kind of fruitful work Jesus did.  Heal the sick, feed the hungry, clothe the naked and visit the captives.  Not exactly team sports, but all part of his great commandment, to “love one another”. 

I can show love through charitable acts but more importantly I can show love for my fellow human beings in my everyday activities.  That means always keeping a loving attitude in my heart no matter what I am doing, whether it is interacting with someone who is in need of a meal or someone I am doing business with.

Each is a child of God and as such they deserve the same respect and love. That is what it means to be on Jesus’ team. 

Prayer

God of many names, may I always remember that you chose me to do your work on earth, to be your hands to speak your truth.  Amen

Devotion Author

Hardy Haberman