Read: Matthew 22:1–14
Many are called, but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14
It is every child’s worst fear—to be picked last for a game. Kickball, touch football, soccer—whether it be on the sandlot or the school playground—kids heed the call to line up. However, standing in that line fuels insecurity. Who will be picked first? Who will be standing alone at the end as the very last to be selected? Many are called, few are chosen. We understand that reality from a young age, and it is a reality that bears out throughout our lives. We are called here and there, and sometimes we are chosen . . . and sometimes we are not.
God calls all of us to participate with him throughout our entire lives. Unlike so many of the invitations we receive in life, there are no exclusions to this call. What is required, however, is our response. Our best work is saying “yes” to that call, saying “yes” to God’s presence in our lives, and saying “yes” to doing the hard work of discipleship. Unlike the sandlots and playgrounds of our childhood, everyone who shows up is chosen by God. In fact, in the Gospels Jesus suggests the last will be chosen first and the first will be chosen last!
How is God inviting you into relationship today?
Lord, thank You for the invitation. Thank You for creating me. Thank You for my life, my family, and my friends. Thank You for inviting me to be in relationship with You for eternity. Help me to respond to Your invitation every day so that, in the end, I find that I am indeed chosen. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. AMEN.