Me, Me, Me 

“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will…And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation…”
Ephesians 1:11, 13 (NIV)

Do you remember the days back in primary school when the teacher would ask for a volunteer to clean the blackboard, sharpen the pencils, fetch something, or run an errand? A forest of hands would shoot up accompanied by cries of ‘Me, me, me.’  Only one of the children would be picked, while the rest felt left out hoping they would be chosen next time.

Or do you remember those games times when the class had to form two teams. Two captains were selected who then had to choose their teams from the rest of the class. Again up shot the hands with the kids usually yelling at the top of their voice, ‘Me, me, me.’

It always seemed that there was one person left at the end of the selection process who remained un-chosen. It was blatantly obvious that neither captain really wanted them on their team, and it must have been very disheartening to the person not picked. We learn from a very early age how important it is to be chosen and how upsetting it is not to be selected or included.

When it comes to our relationship with God we need not worry about whether we have been selected or included. There is no need for us to stick our hand in the air shouting to God, ‘Me, me, me’ and wondering whether or not God will choose us.

It’s very interesting and encouraging to make a search through the New Testament of all the places where it says we have been chosen. Here are just a few to get you started:
‘I chose you’ – John 15:16
‘I have chosen you out of the world’ – John 15:19
‘Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?’ – Romans 8:33
‘Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved…’ – Colossians 3:12
‘For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you…’ – 1 Thessalonians 1:4
‘To God’s elect…who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father…’ – 1 Peter 1:1-2
‘But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession…’ – 1 Peter 2:9

We truly are God’s chosen people. To each one of us he says, ‘you are mine’ (c.f. Isaiah 43:1). To me that is so affirming—God has chosen me, he has included me in his plans, I am important to him, I am his special possession.

All I can do in response is “…declare the praises of him who called [me] out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9)

Prayer
Father, thank you for choosing me in Christ, not because of my talent or ability but simply because you love me. May my praise of you be on my lips always.
Amen

Study by Barry Robinson

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About the Author:
Barry Robinson is an Elder in and pastoral worker in the Greater London area, particularly the Camberwell and North London congregations of the Worldwide Church of God UK.  His son, Ben, and daughter, Hannah, are volunteering on staff at S.E.P., a two-week summer activity camp that takes place on the bank of Loch Lomond, Scotland.  It is sponsored and run by the Worldwide Church of God UK, a part of Grace Communion International.  The camp is Christian in ethos but accepts campers from all denominations and faiths, or from none. For more information about S.E.P. visit http://www.sepuk.org

Local Congregation:
Worldwide Church of God London
Indian YMCA
Mahatma Gandhi Hall
41 Fitzroy Square
LONDON
W1T 6AQ

Meeting Time:
Saturday 2:30pm

Local Congregational Contact:
Martin Ryan
Phone:  020 8202 3998
Email:   martin_ryan@wcg.org.uk