Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Being Chosen By God
Acts 1:15-26
Marlene Tom
St. James MTC,  New York
24 Then they prayed and said, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 
Everything happens for a reason. God has a plan for each and every single person He has put in this world. We have impacted the life of every single person we have come across. Everything we say and do can leave footprints in people’s hearts. God has a purpose for our life regardless of how weak or untalented we may think we are. God knows what we are capable of and has chosen us to be a part of His plan.
In this passage, the apostles are trying to move forward in their mission after the death of Judas. In verse 16, Peter says, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas”. In verse 20, Peter tells the crowd that it is mentioned in the books of Psalms that a new disciple was to be chosen and the time had come for the Scripture to be carried out. Judas serves as an example of someone who was chosen by God to complete his plan in spite of what he was destined to do.
 
“While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled” - John 17:12.   

God knows we all have flaws, for even Peter, one of Jesus’s beloved disciples, denied Jesus three times, yet was still chosen by God. Despite our shortcomings and faults, God loves us and wants us to be a part of His ultimate plan. We may not feel like we’re ready to take on leadership positions or to carry out God’s will but, God has promised to help and support us all to do amazing things through the power of the Holy Spirit. God continues to choose people, who are not expected to be important, to play a big role in His overall plans. Jesus did not give up on the apostles that turned away from Him and He does not give up on us either. We are all ultimately chosen by God.

PRAYER

Lord, You know our hearts and You have chosen us. Continue to guide us closer to You and help us fulfill our purpose in Your name. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Psalm 37:5

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