Being chosen is a stark contrast to being rejected. Do you remember when you were young, playing a game, and waiting to be chosen for one side or the other? Even later in life, when you applied for an employment position, remember how you longed to be chosen and not rejected. It may be that at festive occasions like Christmas when gifts are shared, you eagerly wait to be the next person chosen to open your gift.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” (John 15:16 NIV)
I don’t know why God speaks to us as He does. I do know that I have always enjoyed reading the gospel of John, especially the fifteenth chapter. For some reason, He has brought the verse above to my mind again and particularly highlighted the fact that you and I are chosen.
I know a few of my readers personally, but I don’t know anything about most of you. However, I believe that God Himself has chosen me to send this message to you — but why?
God speaks to us in many different ways, but one of the best is through reading His written word — the Bible — in all different translations. So, my first suggestion is that you make the effort to learn from Him by reading His Word. Like me, you may be surprised by what He says to you, even if it is something that you have read many times before.
But most importantly, think about Who chose you and why you were chosen.
For years, I have enjoyed singing a song written by Miriam M. Richards (1911-1989) and published in 1956, which includes some reasons why we are chosen. Let them be a powerful challenge!
What can I say to cheer a world of sorrow?
How bring back hope where men have sorely failed?
Just where I am I’ll speak the word of comfort,
Tell how for me Christ’s sacrifice availed.
Just where He needs me, my Lord has placed me,
Just where He needs me, there would I be!
And since He found me, by love He’s bound me
To serve Him joyfully.
Wow! God Almighty needs me! You can also join me in being thrilled to be chosen. Just think that we can serve Him so joyfully!
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for giving us the privilege of being one of Your chosen ones. May we always show Your love, helping You and others joyfully. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Copyright © 2022, by Vincent Walter <vwalter@bell.net>, first published on the PresbyCan Daily Devotional presbycan.ca
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Used with the permission of PresbyCan and author.