“You didn’t choose me. I chose you. John 15:16-17
Today, We are going to focus on choice. Who chooses and why it matters. In the above verse, Jesus said we didn’t choose Him.
In the Jewish religious culture, a student would pick a rabbi. In return, the Rabi then has to choose the student back or not to choose the student. There is a whole process to go through—interviews, tests, and applying for such training. Jesus, though turns this process upside down. He chose His disciples, and then in return; they chose Him back by abiding in Him for the long haul.
Let’s look at some scripture verses on who God chose.
Genesis 12:1-4
Exodus 3:1-14; 4:1-4; 10-17
Judges 6: 11-24
1 Samuel 9:17-21
Luke 1:26-38
These are only a few to look at. What was He calling this person to do? What was the person’s response to being chosen?
Do you relate to any of these people? Why?
We weren’t the first to choose our relationship with Jesus. He chose us first. He gave us free will to accept or reject Him. The prophet Isaiah said this, “He was despised and rejected – a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our back on him and looked the other way. ” Isaiah 53: 3
The following passages talk about Jesus’ experience with rejection. Matthew 8:28-34, Mark 6:1-6, Mark 12:10, Luke 4:23-29, John 1:11, and John 5:43.
Have you ever suffered rejection? I have! It was a harrowing time in my life. In that experience of rejection, what difference might it make to know that others rejected Jesus? In my rejection, I walked very close to God. I learn many new things from Him during this time. What I did do during that time was sitting at His feet and prayed. I clung to my savior, who understood way more than I could. He was gentle, merciful, graceful and so deeply loved me through that time. He chose me. He chose me before I ever chose Him. It is our choice to follow Jesus. In response to being the chosen recipients of His love and grace.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for choosing each and every one of us. I pray that we will choose you back. I pray that we will live wholeheartedly for you. I pray that we will love others as you do.
In Jesus Name
Amen
