Pick Me! Pick Me!

When I was in elementary school, I was kind of an awkward child socially because I was so shy and didn’t ever really feel like I completely “fit in” anywhere.  I had some friends, but I was never the “popular” kid.  I had worn very thick glasses since I was in second grade, and was always a little chunkier than the other kids in my grade, both of which made me feel very self-conscious.  I did, however, excel in school and would rather have my nose buried in a book than watch television.  Most of my strengths were definitely found in the classroom, and not in the school gymnasium.  My parents did sign me up for different sports; however, I would say I was only mediocre in that area.  While I wasn’t always skilled in something, I have always been strong, having been raised in the country and given many chores which were physically demanding.

I remember when our class would go to our gym special.  Our teacher, Mr. Knott, would always have a variety of different activities planned for us, with many of them requiring us to divide off into groups or teams.  I have a mixture of emotions when I think back to those moments when a couple of classmates were selected to choose their teammates.  Depending on what game or activity Mr. Knott had planned that day, each choice was influenced by what strength each individual could bring to the table. Who was the strongest? Fastest? Who could catch the ball the best and who could hit the ball the farthest?  Team captains carefully weighed and considered each decision he or she made when it was their turn to choose. 

I really hated when they picked teams for certain games because I wasn’t always very skilled for them.  I don’t remember ever being the first one chosen for anything, but I also don’t remember ever being the last chosen.  I just remember holding my breath and thinking to myself, “Pick me! Please pick me!”  I never wanted to be the last one standing.  Nobody wanted to be the last one.  For an eight- or nine-year-old child, being the last one left was the worst thing to happen.  It meant that you were not readily chosen because you were wanted.  It meant that you were chosen reluctantly because there was no other choice. It meant you weren’t “good enough.” You weren’t strong enough, fast enough, or even liked enough. 

John 15:16 tells us that Jesus chose us.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. (NIV)

We didn’t choose Him first; HE CHOSE US!  Before we even knew God to love Him, He first knew us (Jeremiah 1:5).  Furthermore, Romans 5:8 says that even when we were still in our sin, Jesus Christ died for us so that we could experience the life God has for us.  When we feel that we aren’t “good enough,” God still chooses us.  When we feel we have nothing to offer, God still chooses us.  When fear paralyzes us, God chooses us.  When pain blinds us, God chooses us.  When we feel like a failure, God chooses us.  When we have run from God, He chooses us and even runs to meet us.

So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. (Luke 15:20). 

To be chosen means we don’t have to prove our worth anymore.  To be chosen means we can rest in confidence instead of waiting anxiously until our name is called.  To be chosen means we have a sense of security and safety of belonging.  Being chosen by Christ is an intentional decision with eternal impact. He chose to love us and continues to choose us; it never stops.  Because of Christ, there is nothing more or less we need to do to be chosen.  The work has already been done on the cross.  Our faith comes as a result of being chosen!  We have belonged to our heavenly Father long before we even realized it.  Grace enables us to continue to experience life in Christ as chosen children of God—set apart (Leviticus 20:26) and raised to new life (Romans 6:4)!  We can love because He first loved us (1John 4:19).

Thank You, Jesus, that we never have to hold our breath in anticipation of being chosen.  Thank You, Lord, that we can rest in Your love and safety because You have chosen us to be Your own.