Hand Picked Team

Monday, April 30, 2018

John 15:16-17: [Jesus is saying,] You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that remains, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name He will give you. This I command you - to love one another. 

It was my greatest fear. I dreaded going out for PE when teams were being picked. I was almost always picked last. That told me one key thing. I was not good enough to be on either team. 

It was disheartening. Neither of the team leaders wanted me on their teams. I got over it, mostly :-) I now chalk it up to the way life is. There are going to be people who don't want you to be "on their team." Not everyone is going to like you. That is human nature. That is the "way it is." At the same time, that's not God's way.

Jesus chooses all. Jesus wants us. It's not, "I'll take you because I have to." Jesus wants us. It IS, "I choose you because I want to. I want YOU to be a part of something greater. I want YOU because I want to share my love and grace and mercy to you. I am NOT choosing you because you're the best, or the smartest, or the most talented. I choosing you because you're broken, the sorrowful, and the lost. I can bring you healing and compassion and mercy. I WILL find you."

When we receive an invitation like that, we will respond. Either, "Sorry, I don't want to be on your team." OR "God, thank You. I don't deserve this honor. I'm a sinner. Because of Your forgiveness, I will mature and bear fruit for you. I will love with the love You gave to me because of what Jesus did for me." God open all hearts to Your gracious invitation to be on Your team, Amen.