chosen
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.”
John 15: 18-20 ESV
As citizens of heaven we have been chosen to point people to the Kingdom of God.
Between erupting wars, a pandemic, riots, and cancel culture — our upside down world can feel dark and hopeless. As times begin to grow dim, the body of Christ must rise up in boldness to be the light people so desperately need. Yet, this verse reminds us that as we step out to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a broken world, many may reject the message of grace we bring.
Jesus told the disciples that world would often hate them. As a man who came to love, heal, and bring salvation and yet was beaten and hung on a cross, He knew this hatred more than anyone.
The gospel message calls people higher, deeper, to look inside of themselves. It takes humility to acknowledge sin and helplessness and turn towards a Savior. If the world hated Jesus, we can expect the very same response as his faithful followers. Our assurance in the gospel may make people uncomfortable for reasons unknown to them. If people do not know God as He really is, they often attack and persecute those who represent Him.
The good news is that you are chosen. You were chosen by the God of the universe. His kingdom is not of this world, and by the power of the Holy Spirit we are called to point people to the kingdom of God. A kingdom that is mightier then any earthly kingdom. A kingdom that will continue to expand and influence until heaven comes to earth.
So take heart and remember we are to be in the world but not of it. This is not our home. And it is a joy to point people to the everlasting kingdom of God.
In joy, peace & love,
Riley Rae Baker
additional reading:
Isaiah 43:1, 55:8-9, Deuteronomy 7:6, Galatians 1:10, John 18:36, Colossians 3:2, 1 John 2:15-17
reflect:
Have you ever been persecuted or rejected because of your relationship with Jesus? Where in your life do you feel hopeless? Invite Jesus into your heart to bring boldness, love, peace and joy.
centering prayer:
Father, I thank you that you are the great problem solver. I thank you that I can rest in the truth that you have this entire world in your hands. Help me to be bold and courageous in a world that so desperately needs you. Equip me to point people to eternity so that they may know freedom and love in it’s fullest. Amen.
