May 6, 2018
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 the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name.” vs. 16
Sometimes we’ll hear folks offering up prayers that end with the phrase, “in Jesus’ name, Amen.” It’s a reminder of their attachment to Jesus, a recognition that he is the vine and they are the branches–and that’s a good thing. Sadly, for some these words have become formulaic, and they only attach them to their prayers to get what they want. It’s as though Jesus has given his followers a blank check and if they remember to sign his name on it, their prayer will be answered and they’ll be rewarded. Of course that notion is miles from his intention. Jesus wants us to know that we’ve been chosen by him and that our appointment has one purpose: we are to bear lasting fruit so that this whole world might be transformed. It’s not so we can become wealthy or get a bigger house–that’s not the point at all. Rather, as God empowers us through our Jesus connection, we will produce more fruit and we’ll do more loving than we ever thought possible. Followers of Jesus are called to be single-minded in our outreach, not in our accumulation. Our prayers will be aimed at the success of our loving-mission and not in getting more for ourselves. Those who think otherwise have completely missed his point!
Thought for the Day: What do I ask for in the name of Jesus?
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