Twin Peaks

November 10

Happy Sabbath Everyone,

The scripture for today is John 15:16

John 15:16 You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, He may give it you.

It was customary in the time of the apostles that a man would choose the Rabbi that he wanted to be taught and trained by. Jesus is instructing His disciples that they did not choose Him, but He chose them. He not only chose them, but He "ordained" them. The word "ordained" could also be translated "placed or planted." They were chosen and "planted" into the vine, which is Christ Himself. He chose them for a specific purpose. That purpose was two fold: to go, and to bring forth fruit. The fruit that they were to bring forth would remain forever.  

Just as Christ chose and ordained them, He has chosen and ordained us. He has chosen us for the same purpose; to go and bring forth fruit. The end of the verse, "that whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my name, He may give it you," is inextricably connected to the first part. Asking and receiving is the participation of one who has been chosen. It is the normal experience of being in the vine; it is the normal Christian life.

God bless you as you continue in His service.

Tim