Reflection on “God’s Chosen People!“ August 27. 2024

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. I Peter 2:9-10.

 When I was in the 3rd grade, being chosen was a huge thing for me. Especially being chosen to play Red Rover, Red Rover, Let Emily come over. I had to break through the other team and choose the weakest hand-holders.

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3:12-16.

When God has chosen us, our heart is clothed in an ever-growing heart full of  purpose of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience as we study and live His Word.

As we search for our pathway in this world, we come to this verse: Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:6.

 “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.” John 14:2-4. In the world, we find so many lies that to know Jesus IS the Truth, and He is the Way to Eternal Life.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17. How we thank you, O, Lord, for every time You told us, This my beloved Son in Whom I am well-pleased!

After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17.

When Peter, James, and John stood on the mountain, and they saw Moses and Elijah, and Jesus transfigured, Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground and were terrified. Matthew 17:4-6.

And again, in Mark 9:6-8, for he did not know what to answer; for they became terrified. Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!” All at once they looked around and saw no one with them anymore, except Jesus alone.

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. For this reason, I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation, which is in Christ Jesus and, with it, eternal glory. It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. 2 Timothy 2:8-13.

Endurance, Trustworthy, and Faithful! Do we truly Trust as we say we do? What is truly reliable and faithful? Is it man-created insurance for our latest ‘can’t-live-without-it’ gadget?

No matter how we try to have things our way, we read this and know it will be God’s purpose. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9. Each time I see the sun, the stars, and the trees and the lovely mountains and the seas, I realize how powerful our Lord God is. And give thanks.

Psalm 32:8 reminds me of when Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to teach us each day. I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding, Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,Otherwise they will not come near to you. Many are the sorrows of the wicked, But he who trusts in the Lord, lovingkindness shall surround him. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.  Psalm 32:8-11.

For those moments when we feel things are everyday- ho-hum, are these verses – For, I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:11-12.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13.