It’s a try-out season for fall and winter sports? Di you try-out? Were you chosen?

Or, perhaps you recall those school days when partners were picked. Were you one of those standing awkwardly waiting? Were you always chosen first?

In John 15 Jesus makes a startling declaration to his disciples: you are chosen and appointed (John 15:16 )! This might give a warm-fuzzy feeling of belonging, but it’s no participant ribbon! It is a call to a life of high responsibility; a life fully alive and on purpose!

We’ve been looking at Jesus’ foundations for the fully alive, fruitful life in John 15: pruning, abiding, friendship with God. This week we round this up with the transforming power of being chosen and appointed.

Phil Wagler

Interim Pastor