The Appointment of a Friend, Part 2

Scripture: John 15:16

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-- fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

Insights:  This fifteenth chapter is such a beautiful passage which points to the whole and complete life in Christ.  Up to this point it has painted this circular portrait that goes something like this:  “I, Jesus, am the Vine, the very source of life for you.  I desire one thing—that you abide IN Me.  If you will abide in Me, then you will know Me and recognize that I chose and appointed you to go on mission with Me.  Because you are working with Me, I no longer treat you as slaves, but as My friends.  Because you are My friends, I know you will desire to obey Me.  As you obey Me, there is only one possible outcome—you will bear fruit.  Your fruit bearing will prove you are My disciples.  And there is one last truth I know to be evident from this relational interchange.  You will be transformed and become like Me.  As this reality happens, you will begin to ask My Father for things and He will give them to you because the things for which you ask, will be things I also want.  In other words, as you grow in Me, you will ask for My will to be done in your life and My Father will answer in the affirmative such requests.  So, what is the key to this full and wonderful life—abide in Me!”  Beloved, do you see the simplicity of Jesus’ teaching found throughout this fifteenth chapter?  And yet, so many find this life to be boring and hard.  As they walk that path they become apathetic toward the things of God and then wonder why their prayers are not being answered when they do pray.  Once again, the answer is simple.  They are NOT abiding in Jesus.  Here, however, is the beautiful part of Christ.  All one has to do in order to begin abiding in Jesus and experience that wonderfully simple life of joy and peace is REPENT!  Ask Jesus to forgive you for your wayward heart and ask Him to restore you to the joy of your salvation, which is Him.  Then, just start abiding with Him.  The circular portrait will soon become your life and it truly is a joy filled life of adventure.

Questions:

1. How well do you know the Father?
2. What kind of requests do you make of Him? 

Prayer: Lord, every aspect to receiving what we pray for has to do with You.  May our love abound and grow in order for me to know Your thoughts and ways better.  Then, I can pray your will and know I am going to be appointed to the right task, right words, right out come for Your glory.  Amen.