(July 21, 2025) Angeline Selvakumari shares encouragingly…

I thank and praise God for graciously allowing us to step into the second half of 2025. Great is His faithfulness!

As we move forward this year, I wonder how many of us are still holding on to our New Year resolutions. What we are today is the result of the decisions and choices we made yesterday. Similarly, where we will be tomorrow depends on the choices we make today.

Choices and Consequences
Every choice carries consequences!

Each day, we are confronted with countless decisions— what to eat, what to wear, whether to go to work, and so on. We often make hundreds of choices without even realising it.

Amid all these decisions, hear the voice of Jesus speaking about a historical choice of His— one that has consequences for us: ‘You did not choose me, but I chose you’ (John 15:16).

• This verse challenges our modern notion of self-determination.
• We often take pride in our choices, especially in our spiritual walk.
• Jesus turns that perspective upside down… God has been drawing us to Himself.
• In ancient Jewish tradition, it was the disciples who sought out their rabbis.
• But Jesus reverses this paradigm— He is the one who chooses us!

Choices and Conditions
To grasp the depth of this verse, it is important to consider the context in which Jesus spoke it— the historical setting and the emotional state of His disciples at that moment.

It was during Jesus’ final Passover meal— such meals were rich with significance for the Jewish people as it commemorated their identity and deliverance as a nation. In this sacred gathering, Jesus redefines what it means to be the people of God.

He is seated in a borrowed upper room, most likely in Jerusalem, with His twelve disciples. It is here that He institutes the Lord’s Supper. In this same setting, He delivers His final teachings— His farewell discourse. These are not casual remarks; they are crucial truths intended to prepare and sustain the disciples after His departure.

Verse 16 goes on to lay down a condition— ‘I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit— fruit that will last.’

Urgency is highlighted here in the weight of Jesus’ words in His final hours. They are words of deep purpose, spoken in love and with divine foresight.

Choices and Challenges
Imagine the mental and emotional state of those disciples. They had been with Jesus for over three years— walking with Him, eating with Him, ministering alongside Him, and spending their days and nights learning from Him. Most importantly, they had left everything they owned to follow Him willingly and wholeheartedly.

Now, suddenly, they are hearing distressing words from their Master: that He is going to die, that one among them will betray Him, and that another will deny Him. Their entire world was shaking beneath their feet… and Jesus gives them an urgent challenge: Bear fruit that will last! Can you imagine the turmoil they must have felt?

Perhaps some of you reading this are in a similar place— where your world, your hopes, and your trust seem to be unravelling. You may be asking, What can I hold on to? If that’s you, know this: God has a special message for you.

Choices and Crises
Pivotal teachings often emerge in the most unexpected moments— especially during seasons of crises. It was in such a moment that Jesus spoke these words to His disciples: Bear fruit. What fruit? Anyway… how can anyone produce fruit during such a challenging time?

This article will be presented in two parts. This month, we’ll reflect on the first part of John 15:16: God’s choice in choosing us. Next month, we will explore the purpose behind that choice— that Jesus’ followers are to bear lasting fruit.

Right now let’s understand God’s reasoning in choosing us to serve Him.

I. God’s Perception
(a) God Initiates the Relationship
Scripture consistently reveals that it is God who initiates the relationship. Jesus said, ‘But I chose you.’ The Greek word used here for ‘chose’ is eklegomai, meaning to select or pick out for oneself.

This same truth is echoed in Ephesians 1:4, ‘He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.’ This challenges our human tendency to believe we found God, when in fact, it is He who has been seeking us all along.

Consider the parable of the lost sheep: The shepherd goes after the one that is lost. In the same way, our loving Good Shepherd comes searching for you and me— to seek and to restore us to the Father.

This divine selection is neither arbitrary nor random— it is intentional and deeply personal. Out of all the people in the world, God chose you. What an incredible privilege! Let us remember this foundational truth: our existence is intentional. You and I were created with purpose. We are not random products of creation— we are God’s chosen ones, crafted by design.

(b) God Extends Unmerited Grace
God’s choice is not based on our merits or accomplishments. Romans 9:11–12 highlights that Jacob and Esau were chosen before they had done anything good or bad. This clearly shows that God’s grace is not earned by what we do or fail to do— but is given freely. It is the very nature of grace: an undeserved gift.

This truth liberates us from performance-based religion. So, if any of you are feeling discouraged because you haven’t read your Bible or prayed consistently, don’t think you’re a lost cause. Our qualification does not come from our actions, but from the grace of God!

However— engaging in prayer, reading the word, and spending time with Him helps us grow in our relationship with Him, understand His will, and live a life that pleases Him. Our journey with the Lord is not about checking boxes or meeting performance goals; it is about living by faith— faith in His unmerited grace.

This is why Jesus came into the world: He died on the cross, was buried, and rose again on the third day. He is an awesome, sovereign God. It’s not because of who we are— it’s because of who He is!

(c) God Choses in Love
Thirdly, the motivation behind God’s choice is love. Deuteronomy 7:7–8 reveals that God did not choose Israel because they were numerous or impressive, but simply because He loved them. His election stems from His loving nature, not our worthiness.

God loves us— regardless of our past. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. If you have never experienced His love, or if you have but are hesitant to carry His cross, this message is for you.

Note this: God can work through anyone, regardless of how small or insignificant the group may seem— what matters is that they love Him.

(d) God’s Amazing Personal Selection
God’s choice is deeply personal. Isaiah 43:1 says ‘… I have called you by name; you are mine.’ Jesus Christ personally selected each of His disciples, fully aware of their personalities, strengths, and weaknesses.

This personal aspect of God’s calling brings both comfort and significance. We are not random picks— we are individually chosen, known, and loved by God. So— why don’t you repeat after me: ‘I am not a random selection— I am God’s specific choice. Not the second, but the best.’

In 1Peter 2:9ESB, we read: ‘But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.’ 

God is affirming that we are His chosen generation. Remember, we are not just selected— we are God’s personal, intentional choice.

Think about how we shop at the vegetable market: we don’t take everything at random. We pick what is best and most desirable. In the same way, God handpicked us— deliberately and lovingly— to be His own. What an incredible privilege and joy to know that the King of kings, the Lord of the universe, has chosen me to be part of His chosen generation!

2. God’s Selection
Throughout scripture, we see a consistent pattern in God’s choosing: He often selects unlikely candidates. His choices are unpredictable, unassuming, and unconditional… as was the case with the following Bible individuals—

(a) Abraham
In Genesis 12:1–3, God calls Abraham to leave Ur of the Chaldeans and follow Him into the unknown— a journey of faith. Abraham was 75 years old and childless, yet God promised to make him the father of many nations.

Was he flawless? Certainly not. He lied about his wife Sarah, calling her his sister to protect himself from King Abimelech (Genesis 20). He took Hagar and later abandoned her and their son. Yet God remained faithful to His choice.

God will be faithful— no matter who you are!

(b) Moses
God called Moses when he had lost all self-confidence and ambition. He no longer saw himself as capable of leadership. Content with life as a shepherd, Moses encountered God at the burning bush and responded with excuse after excuse when challenged to serve Him (Exodus 3-4)!

How many of us are doing the same— offering ‘excusable excuses’ instead of embracing God’s purpose for our lives? Notice the sharp contrast between Moses’ self-perception and God’s perception of him:

• ‘Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’( Exodus 3:11).
• ‘What if they do not believe me or listen to me?’ (Exodus 4:1).
• ‘I have never been eloquent’ (Exodus 4:10).
• ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else’ (Exodus 4:13).

This reflects Moses’ self-perception— hesitant, insecure, and unworthy. But now consider God’s perspective—  God saw Moses as a saviour, leader, protector, and deliverer of His people. While Moses doubted himself, God entrusted him with a divine mission… ‘So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt’ (Exodus 3:10).

Perhaps, as you read this, God is confronting some of your own limiting self-perceptions. It’s time to begin viewing yourself through God’s perspective. Don’t limit God. Moses was 80 years old when God called him. God’s timing rarely aligns with human expectations.

Moses’ perceived inadequacies became the very platform upon which God’s power was displayed. The key was surrender— laying it all at His feet.

(c) David
David was not from a notable family. He had no prestigious background and was overlooked even by his own family. Despite being anointed, he was the overlooked youngest son, often forgotten— yet he became Israel’s greatest king.

God didn’t choose David for his appearance or status; He chose him for his heart (1Samuel 16:7). Even when David sinned grievously, though God disciplined him by taking his son, He still extended mercy and remained faithful when David repented.

God did not withdraw His love. He chose David!

(d) The Disciples
The twelve disciples came from diverse and often unimpressive backgrounds— Matthew, a tax collector; Simon, a zealot; several uneducated fishermen.

These were ordinary men, flawed and often failing, as the gospels show. Yet, Jesus never withdrew His calling. In the book of Acts, we witness a radical transformation after Pentecost, revealing God’s power at work through everyday people.

3. God’s Power
Dear friends, we are not chosen because of our qualifications, but because of God’s sovereign will and unfailing love. His choices transcend human logic. He chooses the weak to display His strength. He uses the foolish to shame the wise. He calls things into existence that do not yet exist. He can do exceedingly more than we could ever ask or imagine.

That is the power of our God. He can use anyone for His glory— His choices are intentional! Remember: You are chosen by God for His purposes.

• Hand-picked.
• Intentionally selected for a divine purpose— to bear fruit.
• God is expecting a life that produces fruit.

I pray that God will empower each of us to live fruit-bearing lives for His glory, because when He returns, He will look for fruit.

Next month I will share about bearing fruit for Jesus with God’s power, and the Holy Spirit’s assistance. And may we all—

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Pastor Angeline Selvakumari is Honorary Editor–in–Chief Echo of His Call, India’s Spiritual Newspaper, and newly appointed  Head and Chief Functionary of  EOHS offices. In furthering Echo of His Call ministries, established 1969, her father, Dr S Selva Raj broadcasts 5–minute YouTube messages in English, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu daily, trusting the Lord to provide for the costs. Link: sam@echoofhiscall.org 
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