A Chosen People
Last week I heard about a couple in Oregon who went up high in the mountains to find the perfect Christmas tree to bless their home. They wanted to choose the right one to take from the forest and "transplant" into the middle of their holiday celebration. In much the same way that this couple chose the right tree for their home, do you realize the Lord chose the perfect person to bring Salvation to the world?
Approximately 2000 years ago, the Lord chose Mary to bring His son into this world. Mary was found to be highly favored and chosen among women. What was so special about Mary? Mary had a willing spirit. The Lord used her to bring forth the Gospel, a message of hope to the dark and dying world. Through Mary, salvation came to earth and grace abounded.
But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." (Luke 1:30-33 NIV)
But this conception was like no other. The Virgin Mary conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and received Christ in the most literal sense. Through her obedience and willingness, the Lord permanently established the throne of David because Jesus Christ will reign forever. Mary, a young woman, witnessed the gospel message come forth and shared Him with those around her.
What Mary birthed still exists today. Jesus Christ is alive and seated on the right hand of the Father in the heavenly realms. As believers, those confessing Jesus Christ as Lord, we are to have a willing spirit. We’re chosen to bring the Gospel to those whom God places in our path. We are chosen to spread His message of hope.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 NIV
How are we to share the message of hope with those around us? By declaring His praises!
We can share with others the hope we have in Christ. What? “I don’t know how to evangelize?” you say. Actually, it’s quite easy. We don’t have to be preachers or scholarly Bible teachers. We just have to know Christ and share our experiences.
Wherever we go throughout the day, people are seeking answers to their problems. People want to know there is hope. As a chosen one, you and I can share the hope wherever we go—shopping, work, ball games, laundry mat, etc.
While standing in line at Wal-Mart, one lady shared about her problem with her neighbor. After she finished, I simply said, “I can relate. I had something similar, but we reconciled.”
She asked, "How?" (Golden opportunity!)
I replied, “As I read the Bible one day, the Scriptures said to bless and not curse. So I baked a fresh loaf of bread and took it to her. Then the Lord used her to help me, for at the time she called to thank me for the bread, my house caught on fire. She was there for me and our relationship reconciled.”
To bless and not curse seemed a bit overwhelming to this stranger in line, but she said she would think about it. But it was an opportunity to share how the Lord worked in my life. The gospel message, a message of hope shared and spread.
Today we still live in a dark and dying world. The Lord chose Mary, who had a willing spirit and allowed the Lord to use her to "transplant" Christ from heaven into the world. Just like the couple who went to find the right tree, we can live Totally Transplanted lives in Christ by choosing to share Jesus with those around us. As God’s chosen ones, let’s declare His praises Who brought us out of darkness into His marvelous light! Go forth chosen one, bringing Jesus into the lives of those around you.He chose them too.
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