DAY 20: YOU ARE NOT OF THE WORLD
by Pastor Heiden Ratner
Jan. 25th, 2025
“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.” – John 15:18-19
DEVOTION
In 2018, after playing seven seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, including one that led to a national championship, NBA superstar Kawhi Leonard was traded to the Toronto Raptors. When the Raptors returned to San Antonio the following season, Kawhi was met with a chorus of boos from the crowd. While he was shooting a free throw, fans loudly chanted, “Traitor! Traitor! Traitor!” Loyalty is a significant value in our society, and also within the Kingdom of God (Matthew 10:33).
Toward the end of John 15, Jesus introduces a new section of His sermon about bearing fruit, focusing on His disciples’ relationship with the world. He states,“…I chose you out of the world; therefore, the world hates you” (John 15:19b). Jesus wanted His followers to understand that they should expect hostility. A trade had taken place—from the world to the Way—and persecution was imminent. The Apostle Paul writes to his disciple Timothy, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). It may not be a popular promise from the Lord, but it is a promise nonetheless. Persecution was on its way for His disciples, and for us who choose to abide in Him.
Today, we must take this warning to heart. We should expect boos and chants of “traitor” and strive not to react negatively but to respond in a Christ-like manner—humbly, prayerfully, and with love, no matter the circumstances. The Spiritual fruit of self-control can guard you in times of chaos.
That night in San Antonio, the better Kawhi played, the louder the hate grew. However, this did not deter him from improving. He went on to lead the Raptors to their first-ever franchise championship the following season. Similarly, as you remain rooted in Christ and bear much fruit, expect the world, Satan, and his demons to oppose you. Consider it pure joy when these trials arise, and keep on abiding in Him (James 1:3-4).
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Matthew 5:11–12
PRAYER
Father, thank You for providing us with clear expectations about the world: that we will encounter hate and persecution. Lord, they hated You first, yet You never gave up on them. Please instill in us a deep love for those who do not know You. Use our witness and lifestyle to guide them back to You. In Jesus’ name, amen!
NEXT STEP
Take a moment to read and commit Matthew 5:14 to memory. This brief passage reminds us that we are the light of the world—not just the church, but the world at large. Look for opportunities this week to shine His light to the people around you.
2 Comments
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Acamy
I now have John 15:7 and Matthew 5:14 committed to memory. What a great way to start the year!
And thank you for the reminder to consider it JOY when faced with trails of all kinds. How else will we be refined and go deeper in our God dependence? That’s the goal, so it makes sense to consider it joy because it’s an opportunity to lean more into Him and rest under His covering. Luckily we are already on the winning team so these trails are NOTHING compared to what God can do!
Heiden Ratner
Amen! So good and powerful persepctive!