Chosen for His Purpose
by David Wright
“You have been chosen!”
No, this is not a sales pitch or a grand announcement that might be received via email or through the US Mail. It is real and it is so much better than anything the world might offer. It is a proclamation of the Holy Spirit messaged to us by the Apostle Peter. In fact, here is Peter’s full statement, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).
The fact that you and I have been chosen is to be celebrated. The fact that the one choosing us is the creator of the universe is reason for us to also be humble. What have we been chosen for? The answer is within the same verse; we are to declare the praises of our Lord Jesus who is the one that has called us out of darkness.
What is your purpose, my purpose, our purpose? As God’s special possession (re-read Peter’s statement – that is what it says!), we are called to serve Him. Let’s look at Peter’s call. It was simple and it was life changing. Jesus extended an invitation to this fisherman and his brother, “Come follow me and I will make you fish for men!” (both Matt. 4:19 and Mark 1:17). And what did Peter and Andrew do? They left their nets and followed Jesus.
Thankfully, throughout the more than 2,000 years since that moment on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, billions of men and women have also humbly said “yes” to God’s call. Their collective service, guided by the Holy Spirit, has changed churches, communities, countries, and cultures for Christ.
In discussing Peter, one needs to understand that he was an unschooled ordinary man (Acts 4:13). But he, John, and the other disciples had been with Jesus. Once Jesus enters any of our lives, our hearts and minds are changed for His holy purposes.
Peter stumbled along the way. Just as prophesied by Jesus, he along with the other disciples scattered when the good Shepherd was arrested. He denied his Lord three times before he heard that rooster the following morning! Imagine the self-doubt, shame, brokenness Peter must have felt. His teacher, the true Messiah, had been arrested, falsely tried, and convicted to die on a cross. Peter stepped into the darkness to hide and protect himself. Have you been there? I am sorry to say that I have. But Peter was a part of the mission of Jesus.
Surely Peter rejoiced with the news of Jesus’ resurrection. But it is likely Peter’s shame persisted until one morning back on the familiar shores of the sea. Fishing once again with his friends, he saw a shadowy figure at a fire on the beach. Recognizing that figure was Jesus, he ran to his loving and forgiving Savior who invited him and the others to join him for a breakfast he lovingly prepared.
After the disciples and Jesus finished their breakfast on the beach, Jesus tenderly had a question directed to Peter. It was so important Jesus asked him three times, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’ Peter responded each time, “Yes Lord, you know I do!” And Jesus replied to Peter’s answers with; 1. “Feed my lambs” 2. “Take care of my sheep,” and 3. Feed my sheep!”
Three times he denied his Lord and then a loving teacher, Savior, Messiah, reinstates and reminds Peter of Peter’s purpose. Jesus removed Peter’s shame that morning. In a few days, Peter would preach a most powerful message that is still shared today throughout the world.
How are you responding to God’s purpose for your life? He has called you and me to be His witnesses “in Jerusalem, all of Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Therefore, my Jerusalem is Indianapolis, Indiana. My Judea is all of Indiana, My Samaria is the Midwest, the ends of the earth are as far in this world as I can imagine.
Let’s intentionally, humbly, and prayerfully serve Him, His Church, and share His love with the world. This will occur through our service to others, our finances we share, and our prayers we lift up throughout each day. As we move forward let us remember that we are guided by the Holy Spirit, understanding that we cannot fulfill our call without Him.
“The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Rom. 8:26-28).
Yes indeed, we have been Chosen! Let’s respond according to His Purpose!
