“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything I have learned from my Father I have made known to you. You didn’t 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. This is my command: Love each other.” – John 15:16-17 (NIV)
How exciting to step back and ponder the fact that you have been chosen by Jesus. He has called you by name, not because you are special on your own, but because, by His grace, you are His child. You are no longer a slave to sin, but a friend!
Listen to what God has to say: “But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1 (NIV)).
What is in a name? Everything – when it is uttered by Jesus! God changed Jacob’s name to Israel and Simon’s name to Peter. And in Christ, He has changed your name from sinner to saint.
Jesus spoke the above words to his disciples, commanding them to love each other with a love that bears everlasting fruit. Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us now go and live as his disciples by loving one another and bearing fruit that never perishes. Amen.
Prayer: Almighty God, who knows my name, show me the way that I may be an instrument for doing your will. In Jesus’ name I ask these things. Amen.
Contributed by Conrad Griggs
Bible Reading
Read Isaiah 43 and record any insights you gain here.
Call to Connection
Reflect on what the word “chosen” means to you. Find two Bible verses about being God’s chosen people and meditate on them today.
Midweek Worship Engagement: Preparation
Before worship this evening, you may wish to prepare your heart with five short prayer requests. If you like, write down in your own words what you would like to say.
- Pray that God will open your heart to hear what He has to say.
- Pray that you will grow in your awareness of what Jesus has done for you through His sacrifice on the cross.
- Pray that your heart will respond with praise for all God’s blessings in your life.
- Pray that you will be renewed in your commitment to give of yourself in response to God’s grace.
- Pray that you will be motivated to share what you have learned with the world in some small way this week.