In school I was often the last one picked. The unexpected happened during middle school gym. On one occasion a team captain chose me before the end! After he did he turned around for a moment. It was thoughtful, I imagine, that he chose me. Why did he turn around? Was it regret? It was painful, I’m sure, for the one or two people who remained after me. Why did he pick me? It wasn’t because of my extreme skill. It had more to do with his character.
I was concerned that my classmate(s) who remained would start feeling bad. No one wants to be the last one “picked.”
Maybe you’ve been in that place as well. We’ve felt left out, forgotten, and unworthy when not picked. Then comes an unexpected moment: being chosen before the end of the list. Selected, not by default or avoidance, but because someone cared enough to say our names.
The following verse means much for an “unchosen” child like me. Ephesians 1:4:
“4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love”
When did God select His children?
Before the foundation of the world, we were chosen.
Before the foundation of the universe, we were blessed.
Why? This took place “that we should be holy and blameless before him.”
How can we be holy and blameless before him? It is in Christ Jesus!
Colossians 1:21-23 speak of this. We were once far from Him, hostile toward Him. Here’s Colossians 1:22, “he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,”
Not because of our own merit, but because of God’s mercy toward us through Christ, we are now presented in this way to God.
He has, according to the close of Ephesians 1:3, “… blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,”
His holiness is indescribable. It fascinates me still that God would choose me as His own child. Isn’t it good to know it is about His character, not our own.
We have received His favor. How is it possible? A selfish sinner like me has received the favor of God, the Creator. I am so thankful for His mercy, His grace that is sufficient for me (II Corinthians 12:9-10). My weakness He can handle.
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” II Peter 3:9 (ESV)
Dear Father God,
Thank you for choosing me, before the foundation of the world. I am unworthy to be called your child. Thank You for giving Jesus as the sacrifice for my sin. Thank you that He lives and now I have new life as well. Please finish your work in me. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.
When have you been “unchosen?”
How does it change things to know that God chose you before the foundation of the world?
Who do you know who needs this message?
“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”
Isaiah 43:1
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