“Go! This man (Saul/Paul) is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” (Acts 9:15–16, NIV 1984).
“To God’s elect, strangers in the world…who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:1–2, NIV 1984).
My Musings – Chosen. Selected or marked for favor or special privilege. Selected. Elected. By God. Marked. Sealed. Sanctified through the Spirit. Chosen to carry His name to the world, in obedience to Christ’s commission.
Chosen to suffer? Yes. “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33, NIV 1984). Suffer. Sound strange? “Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12, NIV 1984). So, not strange. But a special privilege? Yes, but why? “Rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” (1 Peter 4:13–14, NIV 1984).
My Advice – Paul is not unique in being a chosen instructed. If you are “in Christ,” you are a chosen instrument too. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:9–10, NIV 1984). Foreknowledge. Prepared in advance. Specifically for you to do. Do not shrink back. Do not fear. “Take heart! I [Jesus] have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV 1984).
