Know You are Chosen

 Yes, many are called but few are chosen.  How do we move from being called into knowing we are chosen?  The dictionary gives the definition of chosen as "having been selected as the best or most appropriate."   My suggestion is that Jesus has set the criteria to know. 

In Mark 3, Jesus, when confronted with the fact that His mother and brothers were outside seeking Him, asked, "Who is my mother and brothers?" Then He answered, "whoever does the will of God."  That special "chosen" relationship is available to all, as we are aligned with Jesus who stated, "I delight to do Your will."  The Spirit of God confirms and bears witness with our spirit, according to John 16, the righteousness of God.  We then know that we are right with God, both doing the right thing and being close, or right with Him.  First John has over twenty verses that state, "by this we know."  God even promises in Isaiah 30:21 to speak to us, "This is the way, walk in it." if we get off to the right or the left.

One of the tendencies of our flesh is to feel like we are not good enough, not doing much, and certainly much less important than many others who are serving the Lord.  That is a mistake.  2 Corinthians 10:12 admonishes us that we are not wise, and without understanding, when we compare ourselves to others.  The Word in 1 Corinthians 12 goes out of its way to talk about the relationship of the foot to the hand, the eye to the ear, etc. to demonstrate how each part of the Body of Christ has its own function and is absolutely valuable to God and each other.  My kids like to tell each other that they are "Mom's favorite," but only God has the heart to called each of us "most blessed." (Psalm 21:4)  You are His best and chosen when you do His will. 

Psalm 58 concludes in verse11, "Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges the earth!"  Revelation, and other Jesus coming back references, declare that when Jesus returns, He will bring His rewards with Him.  Hebrews 11:6 also reminds us, that without faith it is impossible to please Him, "for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."  God has attached the word "surely" to various facts to help us know His heart with certainty.  Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.  Surely there is a God in heaven who sent Jesus to shed His blood for you and bring you "holy and blameless" before the Father.  Surely, you who do His will are chosen.