If this feels heavy to you, don’t let it condemn or even frustrate you because of where you’re at. Simply invite Jesus to use it to draw you closer to Himself.
Few in the pulpit are teaching of the small gate and the narrow way that are essential to authentic faith, but many in the pews are eager for truth that costs them something. This “Christian” thing is a life-long journey of becoming more like Jesus. Be patient with yourself and read on!
WE ARE – –
“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.” I Peter 2:9 *
Backing up to I Peter 2:5, this is speaking of those who have come to Jesus and are living stones “being built up as a spiritual house, into a holy priesthood to offer the spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”** Those who come to Jesus and offer themselves to Him are thus His “choice” or chosen ones. The ones He especially delights in getting close to.
It is as He said in John 14:23, “If anyone loves Me, he will follow My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him.” Picture THAT!
HIS CHOICE ONES
Being God’s “choice ones” is based on obeying His word, not on your belief system, your good works or how often you show up at church. It involves believing in Jesus as Savior and making Him Lord as we lay down our life for His Names’ sake. (Luke 9:23-26) We offer ourselves as His possession, and we’ll get into that next time!
In the meantime, ask God for one little thing that He wants you to obey Him in. If you need help, ask Him for it – – – and then do it and sense Him warming your inner being. Just one little thing!
* Scriptures are nasb
**Did you see the word “being” there? You and I are in the process of being built into a spiritual house. Did you ever watch a house being built?
Ken Stoltzfus
Kidron, OH USA
April 14, 2021
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