CHOSEN FOR A PURPOSE

MEMORISE: 'After these things the Lord appointed another seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, Wither he himself would come.' (Luke 10:1)
READ: Mark 3:13-14

Out of the several virgins who attended the beauty pageant, only Esther was chosen. This was not a mistake. She was chosen for a purpose. In our reading, the Scriptures state that Jesus chose the 12 disciples primarily to be with him. Has Jesus chosen you? It is primarily so that you can be with him. This means that irrespective of what we become or how mightily he uses us, we must never become too busy to be alone with him. Do you find time to fellowship with the Lord, just you and him?

The second reason for choosing the 12 was that he might send them out to represent him. Luke 10:1 says: 'After these things the Lord appointed another seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.' John 15:16 tells us Jesus has chosen us to help him in evangelizing the world. God expects us to bear good fruit. 1 Peter 2:9 says we have been chose to praise and glorify him. After choosing them, Jesus empowered the disciples to do the work. The Holy Spirit has given to you enable you to work effectively for the Master.

Esther was chosen for a purpose. She was chosen for a time of crisis. We are most needed not when all is well but in times of difficulty. Matthew 26:36-40 tells us that Peter, James and John, who were close to the Lord, were chosen to be with him in the Garden of Gethsemane, to watch with him at a most agonizing time in his life. At a time of national crisis and reproach in Israel, David was chosen (1 Sam 16, 17).

God has chosen you to stand in the gap for his people (Ezek 22:30) and intercede for them; also to help others fight their battles, such as in laying hands on the sick to heal them. In addition, you are chosen to sacrifice for God's people, to the point of laying down your life for them, as Jesus did for us (1 John 3:16). How well are you playing your expected roles?

ACTION POINT
What is the longest period you have spent alone with Jesus?
Double it more frequently.