Thursday 18 July 2013

Read: Genesis 12:1-9, John 15:12-17

What was special about Abraham that God chose him? Why did God choose to make a relationship with Abraham? What made God choose Abraham as the father of His people Israel? Have a look again at Genesis 12 and see if you can see the reason. Did you find it? No? It's because we aren't given one. We aren't told that Abraham is especially righteous. We aren't told that He is especially strong. We know that it's certainly not because of his large family, at this point in the story he still has no children.

 

Why Abraham? Because God chose him. That's all we need to know. God made a sovereign choice to initiate a relationship with Abraham. As a result of that relationship Abraham stepped out in faith and followed God. The rest is history. God went on to bless Abraham with a son in his old age. Through that son God established His people on Earth, the nation of Israel. Eventually, through that nation, came the glorious savior of all people: Jesus Christ.

 

So, why us? Why did God choose us to know and to serve Him? Why did God choose us as His servants? Just like Abraham we didn't do anything special that would cause God to choose us. God just chose us. This is what Jesus is talking about here in John 15:16. We didn't choose Jesus, He chose us!

 

This doesn't just end with our salvation. Notice what else Jesus says in verse 15: "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last." Jesus has chosen us for relationship with Him and belief in Him. God choosing us for relationship with affects every other relationship in our lives. We're to love each other as believers (vs 12, 17) and we're to love those who don't know Christ and engage them with the gospel.

 

What does this look like in your life? Does your relationship with God flow into relationship with others? Are you bearing fruit as a result of your relationship with Christ? Do you love others enough to engage them with the gospel?

 

Prayer:

Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.

 

Adoration:

 

Confession:

 

Thanks:

 

Supplication:

¥ Praise God that He humbled himself to become a man, that He suffered and died so that you could have relationship with Him. Praise God that He rose from death and conquered sin and death forever. Praise God that He has chosen you to know Him. Pray that God would use you to share the gospel with others in your life. Pray that He would give you opportunities and the courage and wisdom to use those opportunities well.

¥ Pray for those Christians around the world who are being persecuted and oppressed for their faith. Pray that God would strengthen them and give them peace and joy in Him. Pray that they would preach the gospel with boldness and passion.

 

Discussion Questions For Families and Groups

1. Is there a connection between your relationship with God and your relationship with others around you? What are some things you think you do well?

2. What are some things that could use some improvement? What areas in your relationship with God do you struggle and need some encouragement, accountability, of help?