CHOSEN
23rd Nov 2022
The World Cup is upon us once again, and as each team is selected from the squad, there is joy among the players chosen for the starting line up, and devastation for those rejected.
Choice is such a powerful thing. We can all remember being lined up to play in a team game at school. The bunch of hopefuls stood in expectation and waited to be called. Joy for lucky ones and extreme disappointment for those left out.
As believers we have been chosen by Jesus. John 15:16 says “You did not choose me, by I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last.” It was not your idea to become a believer, but God’s idea. He searched you out and called you to be His child and to go and bring glory to His name by bearing fruit.
We have just had a family celebration this past weekend as one of our grandson’s, Reuben has become engaged to Maha, his fiancé. We drove to Manchester where Maha lives as does her family, and participated in a special Engagement Celebration. This would be unusual for us Brits, but Maha is from Pakistan where this ceremony of engagement is as important as the wedding. It was a joy to see the delight in two faces as they confirmed the choice they had made with promises and exchange of rings.
Being chosen is very special, and it is wonderful to know that someone has singled you out and chosen you for a unique relationship and a dedicated purpose. Jesus said he had chosen you to bear fruit. Well, how are you doing? Is your life impacting those who you are in close contact with, both believers and non-believers.
Peter declares in 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
To be chosen is such a wonderful and life affirming experience. We may have been chosen for many things in our lives, but being chosen by God is the best of all. Affirm your calling today by declaring his praises and bearing fruit, fruit that will last.
by Charles Sibthorpe
