
DAY 17: I CHOSE YOU
by Pastor Heiden Ratner
Jan. 22nd, 2025
“You did not choose me, but I chose you…” – John 15:16a
DEVOTION
Growing up on the basketball court, I loved playing on school teams, AAU travel teams, and, of course, local rec centers around the city. Nothing quite like a good late-night or early Saturday morning-pick-up game.
Regardless of where basketball was played, one thing was crucial: Did you get picked to play? I can still remember scanning the middle school list, running my finger down the names, and feeling a wave of relief when I saw mine. Similarly, I remember the refreshing feeling that followed a phone call from my college coach when he told me, “We’re choosing you.” Not knowing if you’re on the team can be disheartening but knowing confidently that you’ve been chosen is one of the best feelings!
On this night, Jesus wanted His disciples to be certain of their selection. It wasn’t that they had chosen Him, nor was it their good deeds that somehow impressed the Lord or their significant fruit-bearing. It wasn’t any of those things, it was His sovereign grace, and He selected 11 ordinary men to accomplish extraordinary things. It was less about their abilities and more about their availability. Jesus knew that if these branches could stay connected long enough, the fruit would follow. Three years later, they were now ready to receive this life-changing sermon and be commissioned to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20).
Today, for those who have put their faith in Christ and are remaining connected to Him through abiding—He wants you to know that you are called, and you are chosen. It was Him drawing you (John 6:44), loving you (1 John 4:19), adopting you (Ephesians 1:4-5), and justifying you (Romans 8:30). Take delight in the fact you are loved by King Jesus, called to His Kingdom work, and empowered to produce much fruit. He chose you for such a time as this!
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
PRAYER
NEXT STEP
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Teri Dodd
Satan would have us believe God doesn’t really love us, care for us. The next time doubt creeps in, remember God says, “I CHOSE YOU.” Specifically me and specifically you. He chose you, loves you, cares for you, sees you and listens to your prayers. We are CHOSEN.