Chosen
Times of uncertainty can be a great challenge. Not knowing what might happen next can be exciting. But it can also cause us anxiety, worry, stress. It really depends on how important something. The unknown of a surprise party can be fun. But the unknown of a sickness can cause great worry.
What is ahead of you in your life that you are unsure of? How important is that to you? How much depends on the outcome?
The most important question we will ever face is, in my thinking, where is my future? Not just the next 5 or 50 years. But beyond this life. Where is my future? What is the road ahead for me beyond this life?
Ephesians 1:11-14 seem a little confusing on first reading, but in the most simple way, these are life-affirming words for those who put their trust in Jesus:
Ephesians 1:11-14
11In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
There is a lot here. But in its simplest way, these verses say that God chose you, and you chose God. If you have chosen to follow Jesus, this is an encouragement that you are a part of God's plans, his purposes and his will. Not only that but when you made that decision to follow Jesus, when you believed in him, you were marked with a seal - marked as his forever. And what is this seal? It is the Holy Spirit. And what does He do? He is God's deposit, a guarantee of your redemption, of your eternal life.
You chose to follow Jesus. He gave you his Spirit. That is confirmation that you have eternal life in him. You are his precious possession. You are his. Eternally. Chosen by Him as much as you chose Him.
There is no guesswork and no uncertainty here. There is only the promise of a certain future and the guarantee of an eternal relationship with God. So what is ahead? Just one thing. One day. Redemption day. A day when we are brought to His presence forever, beyond this world and into the world to come, life everlasting.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, Thank you for the promise of life eternal. Thank you for your Holy Spirit in my life. Thank you that there is no uncertainty about where my future is if my hope is in Jesus. In the midst of the constant changes and challenges of this passing world, remind me again and again of the certain hope I have in Jesus, today and forever.
Amen.