Oct. 15, 2023

Chosen 

Gospel of John 15, 16 + 17

Jesus said: 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. This is my command: love each other.

Dear Readers,

The stamp from New Zealand commemorates universal suffrage. In a true democracy, all citizens have this right. All citizens of a state have the same right. They may cast their votes freely, secretly, and directly. It goes without saying that, after an election, the elected person must also accept the election. It would be absurd if someone were elected but then rejected his or her election.

Jesus tells his disciples that he has chosen them. He has the divine authority to elect people to follow him. No human being could elect God. God is not electable like a politician. The election always comes from God. The Bible reports: Noah was chosen to build the Ark of Salvation. Abraham was chosen to become a blessing for all people on earth (Genesis 12:3). Moses was chosen at the thorn bush to lead the people of God into freedom. (Ex. 3). Isaiah was called to be a prophet of the Almighty God (Is. 6).

Matthew, the tax collector, was called while he was at his work to follow Jesus. Jesus said: Follow me! Matthew listened. He got up left his work and followed Jesus (Gospel of Matthew 9:9). All those who followed Jesus were chosen and called to follow. However, all of them had the opportunity as well, to choose a “Yes” or a “No”. They had the chance to decline. This has not changed until today. God leaves it up to us whether we accept our election. God leaves it up to us to answer freely, secretly, and directly, whether we say yes, or no. God leaves it to our free will whether we say yes to his love or whether we reject him. 

God also chooses people all over the world today. “God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people." (1 Timothy 2:4-6).

Whoever says YES to the Lord Jesus Christ will be filled with his power and will get real life. This new life is characterized by love for God and fellow human beings. It is like living on a bright day after a dark night. It would be absurd to reject this election! It is absurd to reject the love of God!

I wish you that you were able to establish your election and may now experience how your path of life has become a path of blessing. If you are still unsure: God loves you unconditionally. Please set out on the path to HIM! Please say YES to your election.

Thank you for listening to me. I cordially invite you to the next devotion with stamps on November 1. Until then, I wish you God's blessing and preservation in spirit, soul, and body through our Lord Jesus Christ.