Some things just kind of stick in your mind, like when a little boy said, "I've learned that it makes me sad when I'm the last one chosen for the team." Ouch! That hurts to hear, doesn't it! Has anything like that ever happened to you?
I don't remember being picked last, but I remember lots of times when I thought I was going to be. It felt like I was being kicked in the stomach. The last one chosen — it feels like such a public disgrace. It hurts even to talk about it. Nearly all of us know this feeling at some stage of our life — relationships, job hirings, friendships, or games.
What I love about Jesus is that it doesn't matter if I'm poor or not smart or clumsy or perceived as ugly. It doesn't matter to him if I'm rich or poor, short or tall, fat or skinny, bald or with lots of hair. No matter what my outside circumstances, I'm still the one he chooses every time!
Jesus told his followers, "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit — fruit that will last!" (John 15:16 TNIV). The apostle Paul said it this way, "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Colossians 3:12).
Chosen by God. What good news! Now pass it on to someone else who needs to experience it!
