You've been chosen #preaching

The NJ Podcast

You’ve Been Chosen

Good morning, Church. You know, the other day, I watched my neighbor's children playing a game of soccer. One of the little boys was always the last to be picked. As they began to play, the little boy fell, slipped, tripped, and pretty much did everything you're not supposed to do in soccer. However, every time he got up, dusted himself off, and with a big grin on his face, would say, "I'm just glad I got chosen!" It was then I realized; it's not about how good you are, it's about being chosen and making the most of it.

Our key verse today is 1 Peter 2:9: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."

Friends, just like that little boy in the soccer game, we've been chosen! We've been handpicked by God Himself to play in this life's grand field. Not because we are perfect, not because we never trip or fall, but because of His great love for us.

Consider the life of Moses. Raised as an Egyptian prince, he ended up a fugitive after killing an Egyptian. But it was this murderer, this man with a speech impediment, that God chose to lead His people out of slavery (Exodus 3:10). Moses didn't feel adequate, but God said, "I will be with you" (Exodus 3:12).

God has chosen each of us for a purpose. Esther, a Jewish orphan, was chosen as Persian queen. She used her influence to save her people from extermination. She could have ignored the danger, but Mordecai reminded her, "And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14)

Remember the apostle Paul. Before his conversion, Paul persecuted the early Christians. Yet, Jesus chose him. He said in Acts 9:15, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel." God didn’t look at Paul’s past; He had a plan for his future.

My dear brothers and sisters, you too have been chosen by God. You might think you're not good enough, not holy enough, not smart enough, but remember, God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called. You are a part of God's team. He has handpicked you to shine His light into this world.

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, we thank You that You have chosen us to be Your children. We are not perfect, Lord, but You chose us anyway. Help us to walk in confidence knowing that we are chosen, we are loved, and we are called according to Your purpose. Give us the courage to carry Your light into the world and to fulfill the plans You have for us. May Your will be done in our lives. We pray all these in Jesus' name, Amen.

And now may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all, now and forevermore. Amen.