The Chosen Ones
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear much fruit. John 15:16 (NIV)
Once upon a time, I had a rescue Chihuahua and her name was Jazz. They said she was housebroken. She wasn’t. They said she was a senior dog (age 14). The vet said she was seven- or eight-years max. They said chihuahuas don’t shed. She did and then some. But I loved her! Ellen Fannon (All God’s Creatures) tells us about her choosing process.
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I found myself dogless for the first time in many years after my two dogs passed away within a few weeks of each other. So, my friend and I headed to the animal rescue hoping to find two perfect dogs to take into my home and heart. I specifically asked for adult small breed dogs, and after the attendant deliberately led me past run after run filled with large-breed puppies, she finally took me to a small fenced in area housing a group of Chihuahuas that had been removed from a hoarding situation.
Ah, that was more like it. I have always been partial to Chihuahuas, having had one as a child. Now came the question of which one should I choose? In the past, the obvious answer to this question was not which should I choose, but which ones chose me. I entered the enclosure and sat on the ground, waiting. Within a few seconds, Frannie, a tiny beautifully marked black-and-tan dog climbed onto my lap and started licking me. By selecting me, Frannie made the process of acquiring a new dog easy. I waited for dog number two to choose me, while my friend pointed out nicely marked dogs among the several available. But dog number two turned out to be a plain, tan fellow named Fritz, who demanded my attention. I ultimately adopted Fritz not because of his beauty, but for his desire to make me his.
This experience reminds me that I did not choose Jesus—He chose me. Scripture tells us that on our own, we cannot come to Him unless the Father draws us (John 6:44). By myself, I could have done nothing worthy or righteous enough to deserve salvation. It humbles me to realize that in spite of that, the Creator of the universe chose me to be His child.
For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that He has chosen you. 1Thessalonians 1”4 (NIV)
Loving Lord, thank You for choosing us. Your patience with our humanness is beyond measure and we are grateful. Teach us how to bear Your fruit. AMEN.