Matthew
22:14 (KJV)
For many are called, but few are chosen.
It
has to be one of the most concerning verses in the Bible. As mentioned above,
Jesus simply states that many are called, and few are chosen. A
similar statement is found in Matthew 7:13-14 when He exhorts people to
choose the narrow way, because the wide, broad way leads to destruction and
many are travelling on that road. The way that leads to life is narrow and
difficult and there are few who find it.
When
you weigh it all up, the chosen of God are an elite minority. It goes without
saying that you should do everything in your power to become part of that
minority. But how? How to you go from being merely ‘called’ to becoming gloriously
‘chosen?’
The
answer is relatively simple: those who are called either say ‘No’ to
God,’ ‘Wait’ to God,’ or give no answer at all. Those who reject the call can
change their mind but they don’t have forever to do so. Also, there is the very
real danger that the ‘train will leave the platform’ before they have a chance
to repent. Those who say ‘Wait’ are telling the Lord that the terms, timing,
and territory of fulfilling their call will be according to their time-table,
not God’s. It is audaciously presumptuous and dangerous position to take.
Consider some of the reasons - more accurately, excuses - we offer in response
to the call of God:
• ’I will
serve you, Lord, but first let me find a spouse and marry.’
• ‘I will
serve you, God, but first let me finish my education.’
• ‘I will
serve you, Lord, but first let me work in my career.’
• ‘I will
serve you, Lord, but first let me raise my children.’
• ‘I will
serve you, Lord, but first let me educate my children.’
• ‘I will
serve you, Lord, but first let me make my fortune and pay off my mortgage so
that I have money for ministry.’
• ‘I will
serve you, Lord, but first let me earn my pension.’
The
truth is, those who take such a stance are flirting with all-time failure. The
goals they set will only be fulfilled in part, if at all. Plus, more
importantly, they will ‘miss the train’ of the call of God. Chances are high
that there will not be another one. If, in the grace and mercy of God, there is
another chance, it will probably be a consolation prize compared to the 'first
prize’ of answering the call the first time.
To
not answer God at all is more than mere rudeness; it is insanity.
Then
there are the chosen of God. How did they make the transition from ‘call’
to ‘chosen?’ It is easy: the chosen say ‘Yes’ when God calls.
They do so in a timely manner, whole-heartedly, and with single-minded focus.
This is the only wise response.
Make
no mistake about it: the chosen will not always have an easy ride. They will be
tested, misunderstood, rejected, perhaps persecuted. Just look at the life of
Joseph in Genesis 37-50. He was clearly chosen of God but suffered much
before his time of fulfilment came. This is a fallen world and bad things can
happen to good people, indeed all people.
When
it rains, the just and unjust both get wet. Yet their is a difference. When
trials happen to the unjust, they go lower. When it happens to the just, they
go higher (Habakkuk 3:17-19; Psalm 75:6-7). The just, despite
everything, will have no regrets in obeying God’s call; the unjust will have a
life-time, even an eternity, of regrets because they rejected the call of God.
All
things considered, it is a ‘no-brainer:’ wisdom decrees that we say ‘Yes’ to
God and, the sooner, the better. It is the only way to be chosen and enjoy a brighter
future (Proverbs 4:18).
NEXT
TIME: Responding to the Call of God, Practically
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