With a Sense of Commission
Every believer enters their day backed by divine appointment—chosen, equipped, and never alone.
Devotional Credit: E. Stanley Jones, In Christ
Photo Credit: Unsplash
E. Stanley Jones reflects on John 15:16 as a life verse that grounded his calling not just as a missionary, but as a Christian. He was reminded time and again that it was not he who chose Christ, but Christ who chose him—and not randomly, but with purpose: to go and bear fruit that lasts. Whenever he stood before a congregation, he bowed his head and declared this verse back to the Lord—not as a mantra of self-assurance, but as a recognition that all he did was at Christ’s commissioning. And if Christ sent him, then Christ would supply what was needed to fulfill that task.
What is particularly striking is Jones’s refusal to reserve this verse for preachers or missionaries. It is not a “minister’s verse” or a “Presbyterian verse”—it is a Christian’s verse. Every believer is chosen. Every believer is appointed. And every believer can walk into their daily vocation—whether that be in a classroom, office, kitchen, clinic, or construction site—with a deep sense of commission and backing. Christ's choice of us was not partial or symbolic. It was purposeful. His indwelling presence assures us that no task is beneath His calling, and no child of God walks into their work alone. There is no such thing as a second-rate Christian in a second-rate calling. We are all chosen and ordained by the One whose power knows no bounds.
📖 Personalized Journal Entry — Voice of the Holy Spirit
You did not choose Me. I chose you.
Before you were born, I saw you. I formed you. I loved you. And when the time was right, I drew you into Myself and appointed you—not as an afterthought, but as a branch that would bear My fruit.
Do not wonder whether your place matters. I have placed you exactly where My life in you can shine. Whether you speak before crowds or serve in silence, you are My representative. You carry My presence. You draw from My sufficiency. I do not send you into anything without going in you.
When you wake and bow your head before the work of the day, know this: you are commissioned. The world may not notice the holy weight of your steps, but heaven does. Your task today is holy because I am in it. Your labor is fruitful because I am the Vine. You walk not alone, not unsupported, and never unloved.
You are chosen. You are appointed. You are backed by Me.
Scriptures: John 15:16; Ephesians 2:10; 2 Corinthians 3:5-6; Galatians 2:20
🌾 Real-Life Analogy
It’s like stepping onto a freshly waxed gym floor just before the opening whistle. The stands may be empty or packed, but your name is already on the team sheet. The coach has assigned you your position. You’re not wondering if you belong—you’ve been called, equipped, and released. And behind every play, you sense the full confidence of the One who sent you into the game.
🙏 Prayer of Confidence
Lord Jesus, I thank You that I did not choose this day or call myself into it. You chose me. You ordained me. And now, You live in me to accomplish Your purpose in whatever I set my hands to. I’m not here by accident, and I’m certainly not alone. Thank You that I don’t have to drum up strength or significance—I draw from Your life within. Whatever I do today, let it bear fruit that lasts because it is done in union with You. I rest in the joy of being Yours.