Scriptures: Ephesians 1:4 (NLT) – “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.”

John 15:16 (NLT) – “You didn’t choose me.  I chose you.  I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.”

Message: I stood awkwardly, trying to look invisible as the basketball captains chose teams.  I knew I would be picked last.  I stared at my shoes and dug my toes into the floor.  As the group of girls dwindled, my face flushed as red as last summer’s sunburn.  All the chosen ones were staring at the remaining group and making comments about our abilities.  Nothing flattering.

Maybe we aren’t athletic, or we’re smaller or younger, or just not included.  Some groups might select us, but we feel rejected by someone we love.  Not being chosen causes us to feel devalued and unwanted.

Even though it may feel like no one wants us, the God of the universe lovingly created us and wants a relationship with us.  From the deepest place of love, He chose us.  God’s amazing love for us is from everlasting to everlasting.  God’s love is so huge, it’s as high as the heavens are above the earth.

God’s love for us is so immense that He sent His Son to earth as the Christ child.  He died for our sins, was raised again, and imparts to us new life.  With great love, He chose to adopt us into His own family.  Jesus loves us more profoundly and more perfectly than we can imagine.  We were chosen with great love before the creation of the world.  That amazing love is what we cherish during Lent.  We are chosen, adopted, and called by His marvelous grace.

More important than any other relationship, the God of the universe loves us.  He values us and wants us in His family.  Even if others reject us, God chose us and loves us unswervingly.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that no matter how rejected we might feel, You chose us before the foundation of the world.  Thank You for Your amazing, everlasting love.  Enable us to receive Your love, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, who made the ultimate sacrifice to bring us forgiveness for our sins.  Amen.

Mary Schilling

Grace Bible Church, Sebring, Florida