John 15:9-17 (NRSV)
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Verse 9As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. Verse 10If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. Verse 11I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. Verse 12"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Verse 13No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. Verse 14You are my friends if you do what I command you. Verse 15I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. Verse 16You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. Verse 17I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.
Devotion
After being homesick and very unhappy, coming home can be one of life's greatest joys. Some ten-year-old campers remember this. God has made us homesick for him and the Father's house as well. The coming of Jesus with the "tidings of great joy" makes this to be so. How wonderful! We do not fear, for we are found as his very own and loved beyond measure.
The youngster was near home now. The fishing pole was over his shoulder, good mess of fish swinging at his side, and he could make out the warm glow from the kitchen window. An impressive pickup and boat pulled up beside him, and the man asked him directions to the neighboring large town. "Don't know sir," came the reply. Again, a request for the way to the local gas station was impatiently asked. "Don't know sir," was the quiet but smiling response. In a disgusted tone, the man blurted out, "You don't know much, do you, kid." "No sir," the boy replied, "but I ain't lost."
Prayer
Dear Lord, how good to know our eternal home is in view. We seem to know less human wisdom than we'd like, but we know we are not lost. Assured of this, we experience the fullest joys possible. Thank you. Amen.