Tom Barnard

“He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world,

that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love…”
(Ephesians 1:4 NKJV)

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you

to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.”

(John 15:16 NIV)

“Jesus did not take volunteers as disciples. He put His finger on each one…

because He saw potential in them.”

Gail MacDonald

Being chosen by God is not a teaching that is unique to the New Testament. In Deuteronomy 7:6 are these words, “The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.” Again, in Isaiah 43:1 is this incredible statement: “Fear not: for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” God said this—not Isaiah. Isaiah was the messenger.

In 1917 Congress passed the Selective Service Act, which gave the President the authority to draft men for military duty. This “draft” was discontinued in 1920, but it was re-instituted in September, 1940, as the first peacetime conscription in U.S. history. After the outbreak of the Korean War the military draft was again revived. Further amendments and adjustments followed in 1967 and 1987.

But being “drafted” for military duty is far different from being “chosen” by God. The former causes fear and uncertainty; the latter causes humble satisfaction and joy. Volunteerism is a noble thing, but Jesus was not looking for volunteers when he went searching for his disciples. He chose them; he singled them out. He saw something in them that he loved.

Now think of this: God has chosen you—“from the foundation of the world”—to be his child. You were not randomly selected. A committee was not consulted. God in Christ chose you from the beginning of time to be his child. It doesn’t get any better than that. Celebrate it today.

Heavenly Father, I feel so unworthy. I have done nothing to deserve being called your child. Yet that is what you have chosen to call me—your child. Please accept my praise and thanksgiving today. I am not asking for anything; I just want to bow at your feet and praise you. My prayer is that you will accept my gift of love—my heart and my service—to be a person that would bring honor to your name. If there is something in your Kingdom that you want me to do, please reveal it to me. I will do it. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.