Chosen

Joy Revie

“Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you.”
Jeremiah 1:5 (MSG)

I often wonder what it must have been like to have lived with Jesus while He was on earth and be able to share in the routine of daily life, both before and during His ministry. I imagine He was fun to be with; kind, gentle, inspiring, funny, authentic, full of integrity and fearless when calling out the hypocrisy of the religious leaders.

As a human being, His personality drew people to Him and inspired devotion and loyalty that perhaps few had seen for a rabbi. He came from a humble background, very relatable for many in a similar position.

Imagine sitting on a beach, fish gently cooking on the fire and just chatting about anything and everything - laughing, teasing, telling jokes! Then, hearing stories of everyday life, illustrating deep, life changing ways of thinking and living.

His miracles of healing, casting out demons and raising the dead must have been incredible to see. Imagine being part of the 5000 (minimum) strong crowd sitting on that hillside - hearing the teaching of a completely new way of living, and what did a new Kingdom mean..?

What a sense of hope He must have given people. A belief that their God had not forgotten them. Daily life was particularly hard at this time - living under Roman oppression while adhering to strict Jewish law which was fastidious in its restrictions.

I had often thought that the disciples were very in tune with Jesus’ ministry and it was a well organised 3-year mission that they were on. But I have come to appreciate that perhaps they were often as baffled by His teachings and purposes as we are, even though He was right there with them. Even though they could ask for more details, it doesn't always mean understanding follows!!

In the years after His death and resurrection, the Bible tells us that it was only then that the full impact of Jesus' ministry dawned on the disciples and they understood their true calling and mission. This was only with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Trust and faith was as important then just as it is now.
They had Jesus in the flesh: we have Jesus in the Holy Spirit.
They were chosen then just as we are today, 2000 years later.

“Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you.
Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you.”
Jeremiah 1:5 (MSG)

Perhaps like the early disciples, you feel you don’t have it all together and that God's purposes are a complete mystery and He is remote.

I confess, I am often mystified as to why certain things happen in my life but have been really enjoying our current series at church, ‘With You Always’ (Matthew 28:20).
How reassuring for us that we can trust in His promises to be always with us.

John 14 reminds us:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27 (NIV)

This peace is not dependent on external circumstances, but is a permanent inner peace - knowing we are rooted in God's love and care regardless of external difficulties. Even when we don’t know what to say in prayer to the Holy Spirit, we are reassured that the Spirit will do so on our behalf!

In a similar way, the Holy Spirit takes hold of us in our human frailty to empower us in our weakness. For example, at times we don't even know how to pray, or know the best things to ask for.
But the Holy Spirit rises up within us to super-intercede on our behalf, pleading to God with emotional sighs too deep for words.
Romans 8:26 (TPT)

So let's be reassured; we are Chosen, we are not doing life Alone. He is with us Always.