When I was young there were times when I would hate gym class! I know other times it used to be my favorite but I always hated when they would choose sides for teams because depending on the sport I was always one of the last chosen. It was humiliating to be passed up time after time after time as one of my friends would be chosen for a team.
Yes, there is something wonderful about being chosen and for the people of Israel they were chosen first among all the nations as God's elect! Now that is sure to make you feel special!
But why were they chosen? Was it because they were the biggest and the best? Were they chosen because they were the most obedient and devote to the Lord? Our Scripture tells us that this wasn't the case. They were chosen because God loved them and God loved them because God chose to love them. They were God's chosen people and it must have felt wonderful!
Just imagine the front row seats they had to see the glory of God? It must have been wonderful to watch as God opened up the Red Sea for the slave nation of Israel to go through untouched by the Egyptians who drowned as the sea crashed over them. It must have been frightening but also wonderful when God passed over their homes sparing the lives of their first born sons. It must have been amazing to have the presence of God lead the people like a pillar of fire at night and a cloud of fire by day! They were God's special nation. Not because they were the biggest but because God chose them out of his unconditional love!
Now does that mean that all of their days were filled with blessings from above! Frankly sometimes it must have felt like they were chosen to lead the charge in an impossible battle. But as long as they trusted in the Lord they also witnessed some awesome victories!
Today we are chosen as well. This time we have been chosen by Christ and we haven't been selected first to play on the kick ball team. (I was usually last on that team back when I was short and scrony). NO! We have been selected as the Bride of Christ! Christ beloved choice! and why? Simply because God is love! Actually Jesus died on the cross so we could be chosen! The Bible says that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Christ chose us.... it was His gift! and even the ability to have faith and receive it is a gift of God.
So today take joy in knowing that no matter what happens....God is with you. God loves you and if given the choice... Jesus would have died a thousand times for you. But praise God once was enough.
But remember being chosen isn't the same as having an easy life because we are chosen for a purpose and sometimes as we fulfill the purpose it hurts but God is always with us.
To Ponder: What am I doing as God's chosen son or daughter? What am I doing to let others know that they can be chosen as well. Remember there are many people sitting on the side lines waiting for the hands and feet of the Body of Christ to call their name.
1 comment:
This hit the mark. To be reminded that we are chosen by God is so important. We are so loved by God and I am so grateful for his willing to allow his son to die for me and for all of us. Not on what I have done but just because he loves me.
Post a Comment