I was there in the beginning… 🙌

Hi, it’s Paul Marc! We’re continuing Christian Misch’s series based on the characters from The Chosen today with the testimony of John, James’ brother and also a son of Zebedee. As always, Christian will conclude with a word of encouragement. :-)

Here is John’s story…

I believe that my brother James has already told you how, in our immaturity, we earned the name "Sons of Thunder." Sometimes we truly had impetuous outbursts!

One of the things that touches me most about Jesus' relationship with us is that He never waited for us to be perfect before involving us in ministry. If that had been the case, He would've had to wait for eternity...or maybe a little longer! :-)

Despite all our mistakes and the things we needed to change, Jesus included us from the beginning in everything He was doing.

I remember, in fact, that on the same day that Jesus got angry with us and called us "Sons of Thunder," He called for me. We had just arrived at a Samaritan synagogue where Jesus had been invited to share the message, and He had sent for me so that we could choose the reading He would do that day.

When He asked me, I didn't know what to say. I was fully aware of my mistakes, and frankly, I didn't feel worthy enough to make a decision, even one seemingly as simple as choosing a passage of Scripture. But Jesus, as He always did, showed a real interest in me. He wanted to bring me into what He was doing.

I've always liked to think about the beginning of time and how God created everything through His Word. When I told Him so, Jesus applied my idea and based His reading on the beginning of Genesis.

I wasn't very aware at the time, but that moment would have more significance in my life than I could've imagined. My heart was so touched by knowing that God was interested in what I was thinking and that I had this opportunity to collaborate with Him!

A few years later, when I received the assignment to write what would become my gospel, the Gospel of John, how I would begin was clear to me. I could feel His inspiration leading me back to the beginning. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1, NKJV)

He is the Beginning and the End. He is the Word. And I am His friend and servant.

My name is John, son of Zebedee, and I have been chosen by Jesus.

Bible references: John 1:1-5

You may think that you have failed many times and are not qualified to serve God, but it's not true. He wants to spread His light and transform lives through you. Would you allow me to pray for you? "Lord, I pray that he/she may understand more of Your purposes for his/her life and that any accusation or condemnation upon my friend’s life would be totally null and void. May his/her friendship with You cause my friend to always shine with Your light. In Jesus' name, amen."

You are Chosen to be a Miracle!

Christian Misch