The Transformational Power of Being Chosen
There is a transformational power in being chosen, in being welcomed, in being loved unconditionally that can change the course of someone's future. We see this transformational power on display when Jesus chooses his first disciples.
Jesus Chooses His Disciples
In Matthew 4:18-22, we read:
"As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will send you out to fish for people.' At once they left their nets and followed him."
Jesus doesn't choose the people you might expect. He doesn't recruit the best and brightest students from the synagogues or invite leaders and rulers to learn from him. Instead, He calls ordinary fishermen — people with maybe a 6th or 8th grade education, just trying to make ends meet.
The Profound Truth: Jesus Chooses You
Here's the incredible truth we need to understand: Before you can even think about choosing Jesus, Jesus has already chosen you! Jesus has already had you in mind to call you to follow him.
This isn't a generic invitation. Jesus' call is personal and specific: "I want you, and nothing would give me greater joy than for you to choose me!"
The apostle Peter, reflecting on his own experience of being chosen by Jesus, writes in 1 Peter 2:9-10:
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."
Choosing Jesus Transforms Your Priorities
When we choose to follow Jesus, it radically shifts our priorities. Jesus calls us to more than a new occupation — he calls us to a new vocation, a new purpose, a lifetime of learning his way of life.
As Dallas Willard beautifully puts it, "A disciple is someone who has decided that the most important thing in their lives is to learn to do what Jesus said to do." Is that true for you?
Jesus challenges us to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, trusting that God will provide for our needs (Matthew 6:33). This isn't easy in our distraction-filled world, but it's the key to living the life Jesus calls us to.
The Cost of Discipleship
Choosing Jesus comes with a cost. He doesn't mince words about this, saying in Luke 14:33, "In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples."
Following Jesus isn't just adding him to our existing life — it's letting our old life die so Jesus can raise us up to a new way of living. It costs us everything because it cost Jesus everything to choose us.
Trusting Jesus Completely
Ultimately, choosing Jesus means choosing to trust him completely. When we surrender everything to follow him, we find a greater freedom from the worries of this life. Jesus promises that whatever we give up for him, we'll receive back a hundredfold, along with eternal life (Mark 10:29-30).
Responding to Jesus' Call
Reflect on how Jesus has chosen you. Take time to meditate on the personal nature of his call in your life.
Evaluate your priorities. Are you seeking first God's kingdom or are other things taking precedence?
Count the cost. What might following Jesus wholeheartedly require you to give up? Are you willing to pay that price?
Practice trust. Identify one area where you struggle to trust Jesus fully and commit to surrendering it to him this week.
Respond to his invitation. If you haven't yet chosen to follow Jesus, consider his loving call to you. He's inviting you into a transformative relationship with him.
Remember, just as Jesus called those fishermen by the Sea of Galilee, he calls each of us by name. May we respond to his call with whole-hearted devotion, trusting him to provide for us every step of the way.
Reflection:
How has Jesus called you to follow him in your life?
What "nets" or old priorities might you need to leave behind to follow Jesus more fully?
In what ways has choosing to follow Jesus transformed your life's priorities?
How can you cultivate a deeper trust in Jesus' provision and care for you each day?
Application:
Take some time today to reflect on your priorities. Make a list of the top 5 things that occupy most of your time, energy and thoughts. Prayerfully consider if any of these need to shift to make following Jesus your singular focus and priority. Choose one practical step you can take this week to reorient your life around seeking God's kingdom first.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for choosing me and calling me to follow you. I confess that I often struggle to fully trust you and make you my highest priority. Help me to leave behind anything that hinders my devotion to you. Transform my heart and mind so that I seek your kingdom above all else. Give me courage to follow you wholeheartedly, no matter the cost. Thank you for your faithful provision and care. May my life reflect your love and grace to others. In your name I pray, Amen.
