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.  

Glory to God, Our Horn Lifted Up

 Glory to God in the Highest and His peace to you. 

Yes, Christmas is upon us and heaven's declaration endures forever.  In Psalm 148 it declares, "His glory is above earth and heaven, and He has lifted up a horn for His people."  We may understand a little about God's glory, His greatness and showing His awesome heart, but what is a "lifted up horn?"  I had to look it up.    

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The horn is a term for power or strength as well as a symbol of them.  One definition stated that the “horn” is a metaphor for strength, might, fortitude, for horn is rigid, it can harm and repel enemies, like a deer can repel wolves by horns.  Like in Psalm 89:17: “For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn”, that is to say, “You exalt our power over our enemies.  Horns, like the four horns of the altar can also indicate dominion and authority.  So Jesus is our horn of salvation, only by his authority are you forgiven, made whole, and freed from the attacks of the enemy. 

We are blessed beyond measure.  How can anyone shop for Christmas presents for the person who has everything?  Most of us can't think of one thing that we really need, and likewise, some of the people we shop for have everything they need also.  However, shifting beyond us, what can you and I give to the One who made us, gave us everything, owns everything, and abundantly meets every need.  The answer lies in Romans 8 and 2 Corinthians 5:9, setting our minds on the Spirit and seeking to please Him in all we do.  God desires obedient children who live according to the truth.  Remember the verse in 3 John, "I have no greater joy than to hear my children walk in truth."  

We love because we are loved, we forgive because we are forgiven, we are filled so that our cups run over to others.  Therefore, as the Word goes forth this season and our hearts realize how great it is to have the Lord raise our horn and give us His peace and joy, our only honest response is to look for ways to please Him.  That is the way to give glory to God.