‘Not of the World’

‘Not of the World’

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own:  but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

John 15:19

As Christ prepares His disciples for the rising tide of opposition which they would experience, He sets forth clearly the distinction between His people and the rest of humanity.  In our text for today, He not only makes the distinction clear, but also very directly declares the consequences of that division.  This is not simply a matter of cultural, racial, social, or economic differences.  This is a core difference based upon Christ’s having ‘chosen us out of the world.’  We did not choose Him.  He chose us and has made the difference between us and ‘the world’ to which He refers.  We are not the authors of our salvation.  The difference which Christ makes has a definitive consequence.  Christ declares, ‘therefore the world hates you.’ If we understand this, we are not surprised or taken off-guard by the animosity which those who hate us evidence.  Christ foretold it, therefore we both believe and accept it.  He has redeemed us, made us different, set us in the world as light in a dark place, and told us that those around us will hate us for being that light.  We cannot be other than we are.  We are Christ’s now and forever.  We are united with all who are Christ’s in every age.  Whatever that brings by way of hatred, we are ready to bear as Christ enables us.  Here we stand with Christ.

Our Wise and Wonderful God,
we rejoice at all Your plans and purposes for us.
We praise You that You are for us
no matter who else opposes us.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning