Not Last, But First

Long ago, even before God made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. –Ephesians 1:4-5

Ronny squirmed back and forth unable to peel his eyes from the black asphalt below him. He hated this part of PE class. He shifted his weight back and forth and listened; wishing and praying that he would hear his name called.

“Simon.” The boy next to him smiled and hustled over to his team. Ronny sighed. There were only a few kids left and he knew he would be the last one picked. He was right, as he found himself standing alone, again. Ronny, shoulders drooping, joined his team. Getting picked last stinks.

There are none picked last in the Kingdom of God. God does not choose us because we are the most athletic, the smartest, the strongest, or the most religious. We cannot do anything to earn the salvation God graciously and freely gives us. It has always been a part of God’s plan to adopt us into His family, so we cannot take the credit. There is no room for pride.

Our team captain is Jesus Christ. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, we are holy and blameless in God’s sight. We are set apart. Through Jesus we are a part of the body of Christ. We are on His team.

We are not picked last, but first. In fact, Jesus picked you long before any of us existed!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Why is it hard to accept the gracious gift God gives in choosing us?

2. What are ways that we can express thanks to God for choosing us?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 8:28-30; Galatians 4:5-7; Ephesians 1:1-14