Chosen
One of the most encouraging, uplifting, and affirming things that happens in our lives is to be chosen—invited or asked to become a participant with someone or in something we care about. Think all the way back to your formative days and you might remember the thrill of being chosen to be on a team, to participate in an activity, or to be entrusted with a responsibility.
In 10th grade I was invited to something called a Baylor Dance, which was a big deal. I remember the phone call—my mom saying, “Jan, the phone is for you. It’s a boy!” We had a brief conversation which included an invitation and a response—YES! I was included. We knew some mutual people but didn’t know each other. Later, when I asked him why he invited me, his straightforward answer was, “I had paid my money for the dance, and I picked you out of my sister’s GPS annual.” It still makes me feel cherished and special to know I was chosen. Had I not said “yes,” I might not have been married to Frank Harrison for all these years.
I want to remind you that Jesus has CHOSEN you to have eternal life in Him.
In the early days of Jesus’ public ministry, people pressed and pleaded for His attention. They were desperate for relief from stress, anxiety, disappointment, rejection, prejudice, fear, sickness, abandonment, abuse, emptiness and loneliness—all of the things that plague the human heart.
“Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to Him those He wanted, and they came to Him. He appointed twelve that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.” Mark 3:13-15 (NIV)
After praying all night, Jesus chose 12, and they came to Him. They had no idea what saying “YES” meant but they wanted to be with Him. Something about Him was irresistible but they didn’t know who He was...yet.
BUT Jesus knew them and He knows you.
They had:
● No credentials. They were unlikely, untrained in religion, and sinners in need of a Savior (the only qualifier to be a Jesus follower.)
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23 (NIV)
● No experience.
“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.” Luke 9:23-24 (NIV)
● No understanding of the job description, responsibilities, hours, and benefits included.
“and to have authority to drive out demons.” Mark 3:15 (NIV)
● No idea the cost.
“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Mark 8:36 (NIV)
Why would He choose them? The same reason He chooses you!
● He made you. The deposits of God are within you, and you were made in His image.
“God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:27 (NIV)
● He loves you.
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 (NIV)
● He has good plans and purposes to fulfill through you.
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosperyou and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
● He wants you to be with Him.
“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:2-3 (NIV)
This was my son James’ lifeverse: “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
James passed away suddenly while living and serving in Africa at age 27. Jesus continues to use his life through the ministry he started to invite, choose, and include people who are neglected and overlooked.
ALL people are worth it to Jesus. ALL are chosen by the King of Kings.
Isn’t it reassuring that while we are not attracted to needy, inconsistent, unreliable people to carry out our plans and purposes, Jesus is. Perhaps you think, “I don’t feel chosen. I thought my life would be easier and more comfortable if I followed Jesus.” Or “How can I be sure I’m chosen?”
Picture this: you receive an invitation or a personal offer to participate in something you consider very special and important. You are thrilled and begin to plan and prepare. But you are so preoccupied with the idea and preparation, you overlook the part that says you must RSVP. The date and time come. You arrive and find your name is not on the roster, no table is prepared for you, and the Host does not know you. You realize you assumed you were IN because you knew all about it, but you never responded.
Jesus is inviting you.
He is choosing you to know Him personally and to participate in Kingdom life now. Today. He is initiating His invitation because He wants YOU to be with Him, now and throughout eternity.
WHY? He paid for your life with His perfect sinless life by dying on a cross. He chose to bear your shame and guilt so you could have His righteous life and be with Him.
