You did not choose me, but I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. John 15:16 (CSB)
Choosing is a part of life. From the playground to adulthood, to be chosen boosts our self-esteem, while to be passed over is devastating. Is there anything better than to be chosen by God? Jesus told his disciples that he chose them. They did not choose him.
The process of making choices is interesting. Sports leagues hold drafts, and teams make choices. Prior to the draft, there is considerable speculation about who will be selected first. Sometimes the choice is obvious, but at other times there is no consensus. A team may look for the best available player, or they may choose someone who will fit their team. Do you ever ask, why did Jesus choose me?
It may be either encouraging or deflating to learn of God’s criteria in choosing us. Paul lets us in on God’s method of choosing. God has chosen what is insignificant and despised in the world—what is viewed as nothing—to bring to nothing what is viewed as something, so that no one may boast in his presence. 1 Corinthians 1:28–29 (CSB)
Can anyone say ouch? What do you mean that God did not select me because of my talent and charm? God did not choose us for our glory, but to demonstrate that it is all about his glory and honor. Isaiah gave us this perspective: Proud men will be brought low, arrogant men will be humiliated; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day. Isaiah 2:11 (NET)
Called and Chosen
“For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14 (NLT)
This verse is the culmination of the Parable of the Great Feast. The first invitation was sent to chosen guests, but they all refused to come. The king appealed again, but the response turned violent, and the king responded with great force.
The king had a feast ready to serve, and so he put out the word to gather everyone. It did not matter whether they were good or bad, and they filled up the banquet hall. You and I were included in the invitation from the king. The invitation required a response, but along with the response was an obligation to prepare oneself.
An example was made of one guest at the wedding feast who presumed that to be invited was enough. He neglected to prepare properly. In his second letter, Peter gives us a crucial insight. God has given us great and precious promises by which we have access to the divine nature. However, Peter tells us that we must add to our faith goodness, knowledge self-control, endurance, and more. It is a mistake to think that just because we have been called, nothing else is required.
Peter goes on to say: Therefore, brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election, because if you do these things you will never stumble. For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for you. 2 Peter 1:10–11 (CSB)
It is a mistake to think that because we are saved by grace, there is nothing left for us to do. Paul urged his hearers to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12).
The Responsibilities of the Chosen
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 (CSB)
God chooses us for a purpose, or a multitude of purposes. Peter tells us that we are chosen so that we may proclaim God’s praises. But those chosen by God are to have a different character as well. For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him. Ephesians 1:4 (CSB)
When God chose us, he transformed us, but he also gave us the responsibility of being his ambassadors, his representatives in the world. Our attitudes and actions reflect on him, so it is up to us to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of our high calling.
Paul gives us these instructions: Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. Colossians 3:12–13 (CSB)
The word does not tell us that God is going to give us compassion, kindness, and more, instead we are to put those attributes on like we would our clothing. We are chosen to serve others and be an example. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 1 John 4:17 (NIV)
A Target on Your Back
If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you. John 15:19 (CSB)
God sets us apart and he calls us his own (John 1:12). When God chooses us, he puts his mark on us. Jesus said that because they hated him, they will also hate us.
We cannot have it both ways. The world tries to entice us, and to draw us away from God. This has been the temptation from the very beginning. We have to choose, just as God chose us. James puts it succinctly: You adulterous people! Don’t you know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? So whoever wants to be the friend of the world becomes the enemy of God. James 4:4 (CSB)
Just as Joshua told the people of Israel that they must choose whom they will serve, we must choose to serve the one who chose us. Many have chosen wisely, will we?
Steve Ekeroth
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