You are Chosen- you are chosen, you are chosen, you are chosen, and you are chosen! When you hear those words- how does that make you feel? As a kid- I longed to hear those words- especially in PE. When the teacher chose two students to pick teams- I dreaded seeing how long it would take for someone to choose me. There were sports I wasn’t good at- and in our 1 room school we didn’t play any ‘sports’ except softball. (And that was only outdoors for a month or so- and I was only in 3rd grade) So being chosen for a team was horrifying! As the new kid in RCLS and then in Jefferson and then in Kellogg- being chosen last for teams became a regular event. Sadly, there were times I found comfort when another new student would be last instead of me! Until I hit the spring of 6th grade that was the pattern. In PE during 6th grade, I was able to play softball and actually hit it to the outfield! The boys in my class were impressed and began choosing me over some of the more ‘popular’ girls for softball. And that felt sooooo good!!! Sadly, that only lasted for a little while- but it was fun while it lasted.
No one wants to be an accident. No one wants to be ‘forced’ onto a team that doesn’t want them, no one wants to be picked last! We all want to have the emotional benefit of being chosen: feeling valued, belonging, and fulfilled, which can significantly impact one's mental health and self-esteem. Being chosen often leads to feelings of worthiness and self-acceptance, as it acknowledges one's identity and potential.
Please follow along with me from Ephesians 1:4-5 says, “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.”
Paul is writing this letter to the believers in the church in the city of Ephesus as he is sitting in a Roman prison. This passage is from a poem Paul writes at the beginning of his letter. It is filled with praising God for all the amazing things the believer has in Christ. Being Chosen from a Biblical perspective encompasses various facets:
• Purpose: It indicates a divine assignment. You have a unique calling that serves a greater purpose.
• Belonging: It fosters a sense of belonging. You are part of a community working toward a common goal.
• Accountability: It comes with responsibilities. Recognizing your status as chosen calls for living righteously and sharing your faith.
1. Reflect on Your Purpose: Spend time in prayer and meditation. Ask God to reveal your unique role within His plan.
2. Engage with Scripture: Read biblical passages related to being chosen. This will deepen your understanding and strengthen your faith.
3. Connect with Community: Join a church or group that shares your values. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals enriches your spiritual journey.
4. Share Your Faith: Use your experiences to encourage others. Sharing stories of how you recognize your being chosen can inspire those around you.
The Greek word ‘chosen’ in this text literally means to be selected out from something. It’s like being moved from one spot to another one. God has a plan for your salvation even before your birth! His deep desire was and is to move you away from your old lifestyle and bring you into God’s love and care. His plan is to move us from our sinful life and give us freedom so that we can be holy and guiltfree. He saw your pain; He saw my pain and chose us! We are chosen. You are chosen!
It feels so good to be chosen! He chose us to be His very own. So when you are feeling down about yourself or are being bullied or if you are feeling the weight of the world as you try to ‘measure up’; know that God has chosen you! You are his child. God has chosen us to be holy. Because He chose you, you can be guilt-free. God saw the mess we were in; He saw our pain and our sin and said, “I chose YOU!!!” He has chosen you to be His very own!
Paul is writing that we are chosen, God adopted us and it gives Him great pleasure. You bring God pleasure when you receive Him into your life. It’s pretty cool knowing that you and I bring Christ joy! Because we are chosen, because we are his children, we get to enjoy and be filled with His glorious Grace- which only goes to those that belong to Jesus Christ.
Because of Jesus those who weren’t Jews believed the wonderful news of Salvation and now every believer is stamped with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit. We each have the Holy Spirit in our lives because of faith in Jesus Christ. He lives in you. He makes you holy, and He removes the sin, the guilt and the shame that holds you back from experiencing the abundant life of grace that Christ has for you.
It is like Jesus has given you an engagement ring- a promise of what is to come. You are chosen, Jesus loves you, and He has come to you with this invitation- please choose to spend your life with me I will give you the Holy Spirit as my commitment- (ring-pledge) I have taken care of your dowry, any price that you may feel you owe, and you are free. The Holy Spirit is with you and will keep you as you choose life with Jesus. God gave each of you that destiny. You only have to say yes. Take confidence in the fact that
You are special.
You are worthy.
You are chosen.
Say yes…. Receive Jesus into your life- Enjoy the overflowing abundance of His grace in your life. Be filled today with the Holy Spirit.
