DAY 16: MADE KNOWN TO YOU
by Pastor Heiden Ratner
Jan. 21st, 2025
“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” – John 15:15
DEVOTION
In 2013, the Oxford English Dictionary added a new word to its collection: FOMO, which stands for “Fear of Missing Out.” I believe that everyone experiences FOMO at some point in their lives. Social media contributes to this feeling, as it’s common to see posts highlighting events you wished you had been invited to, only to realize through a display of photos that you weren’t there. One article noted, “The fear of missing out (FOMO) is a universal experience in the human condition.”
I’m sure the disciples experienced their share of FOMO as well. Jesus often called Peter, James, and John aside from the group to join Him on various ministry ventures. Even Peter questioned Jesus about why John followed Him after the resurrection. Jesus replied with a thought-provoking answer: “…what is that to you? You follow me!” (John 21:22b).
FOMO is a real experience, but when it comes to understanding God the Father’s heart, words, and will, Jesus ensured that His disciples wouldn’t have to feel left in the dark. He continues in John 15:15: “…I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” Here, Jesus reminds His disciples that they are much more than mere servants; they are His friends. As the youth say, Jesus wanted His friends to know all the tea!
He informs these eleven men that “all” He heard from the Father has now been revealed to them. That’s some deep, holy, heavenly insight. If you’re not careful, you might feel a surge of FOMO just thinking about what was revealed to these disciples. However, don’t be too quick to feel this way; we have God’s special revelation available to us through the 66 books of the Bible.
In the New Testament alone, we find four distinct yet complementary accounts of the life and times of Jesus. These include Luke’s Gospel, which presents a chronological account of Jesus’ life; Matthew’s detailed writing focusing on Jesus’ role as the Messiah; Mark’s concise, 16-chapter narrative; and John’s emphasis on Jesus’ divinity, featuring intimate sermon content like what we’ve been studying in John 15. And that’s just four books; there are still 62 others that reveal the works and words of God. He loves to reveal Himself to His people and He does so clearest through His Word!
The last thing we need to feel is FOMO when it comes to the Word of God. We simply need to open it up! And when we do, we’ll experience supernatural moments of connection with our Savior, Lord, and friend, King Jesus.
“that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.” – 1 John 1:3-4
PRAYER
Father, today we are grateful for Your special revelation of Yourself. Thank You for not keeping us out of the loop but for inviting us in. More than that, we are humbled to be called friends of God through our abiding relationship with Jesus. Please continue to speak to us, providing fresh insights from above as we read Your Word. I want to know You more in this season and in the seasons to come. In Jesus’ name, amen!
NEXT STEP
Examine your heart and see if you struggle with FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). If so, take that feeling to the Lord and ask Him to help you find freedom in this area. Also, read the chapter in Proverbs that corresponds with the day of the month you are reading this, and ask the Lord before reading to make Himself known to you in a fresh and clear way.
