Chosen

by Darryl Manning 2-24-02

Most of us adults can well remember what it was like to be chosen. Perhaps it was a game of baseball or a game of charades. When the captain called our name it was a joyful event. On the other hand, being the last one chosen was not a good experience. Especially damaging were the words, “You take him.” “No, you take him.” We knew no one really wanted us. It made us feel like finding a hole and crawling in.

In our text today we find Jesus speaking to his disciples about how He has chosen them and how their relationship is changing. The scene is the upper room the night before the crucifixion.

John 15: ¹¹“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. ¹²This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. ¹³Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. ¹⁴You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. ¹⁵No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. ¹⁶You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

Jesus makes it clear he has chosen each of the disciples. Surely each disciple’s heart must have swelled up with pride and joy that they had been chosen by the Master. Jesus goes on to speak about friendship. He indicates that from this point forward they can consider themselves no longer servants but friends. Prior to the upper room discourse, the Jesus has only shared his plans in veiled speech. Now Jesus is beginning to clearly explain the plans that are ahead. He tries to help the disciples understand he will soon die but will be resurrected. He explains about the coming of the Holy Spirit to be a helper and teacher.

As you look at this passage and think of the disciple’s reaction you can feel the joy that must have come upon them. Their status has changed from servant to friend. The plan for the coming kingdom is being explained to them. They understand that they have been especially chosen to be a vital part of the kingdom.

Looking at this passage brings to mind what has happened to us at House of Joy Church. God has stepped into our midst and changed our status from servants to friends. He has been sharing the plans He has for our church and given us a mission to accomplish. We are understanding that we have been especially chosen by God for the mission He has given us.

It is no wonder that great joy has filled our hearts. We no longer are just another church searching for its identity. We are no longer consumed with just “keeping the doors open” or just “paying the bills.” Our focus is on the “Mission of Joy” we have been given. Our focus is on the new relationship we have with Jesus and the understanding of His plans for us.

Parishioners, God has chosen each of us for this great “Mission of Joy.” Our status has been changed from servants to friends. All of us have a purpose in this mission and God will reveal His plans for each of us as we move forward in obedience to accomplish what He is showing us to do.

If you have not yet become a part of our traveling ministry to other churches, you need to get involved. You will discover the great joy that is ours when we are fulfilling the will of God for our church.

This message is also sent to a number of pastors. Pastors, God has chosen you. He has chosen you for a purpose. Even if you do not know the purpose at this time, be patient. Soon, the Lord will begin to reveal His plans to you and great joy will come upon you. Soon the relationship of your church will change from being servants of God to being friends of God.