You. Are. Chosen.
Let your heart absorb these words. Painful memories of not being chosen lurk within every one of us. Life on a fallen planet sends the message that we are not chosen. We’ve felt the pang of being excluded from birthday parties, clinging tightly to our tear stained pillow in the aftermath of a break up, or looking out of the living room window as the only father we’ve ever known disappears onto the horizon, suitcase in hand.
God wants to undo every negative emotion tied to those experiences. He sent Jesus to give us another message. For the joy set before him, he left the beauty of heaven and pushed his way into the world amid the smell of musty hay and the stench of farm animals. What exactly was that joy? You. He left heaven, so he could choose you. He forsook comfort, so he could choose you. He endured the cross, so he could choose you.
So, what are you chosen for? It’s really simple. You are chosen for love. There is nothing you can ever do to change God’s mind about you. It is settled. You are his child. You are his delight. You are his chosen one.
Close your eyes for a moment and imagine yourself in a room full of people. They boast impressive resumes, designer clothes, important ministry positions, exquisitely decorated homes, and successful children. Jesus enters the room, but he doesn’t seem impressed by any of these things. Instead, he scans the room, intently looking for something. Someone. Seeing you, he swiftly makes his way in your direction. He takes your hand in his, peers deeply into your eyes and says, “I choose you.”
Linger in that place for a moment. Hold his gaze. Give yourself permission to believe that it really is true.
You are chosen for love.
Scripture Meditations:
Ephesians 1:3-14
Romans 8:31-39
Journal / Reflection questions:
- How might you live differently if you knew to your very core that God loved you fully, unconditionally and perfectly?
- Ask Jesus, “How do you feel about me?” Journal what you sense and hear.
Holli Aparicio is a wife and homeschooling mom to two girls, ages 11 and 10. Holli loves all things prayer, and serves in prayer ministry roles with Substance Church, Prayer Ventures and Arise Ministries. Her favorite activity is sitting on her deck with her Bible and journal in hand. Holli and her family live in Maple Grove, MN.