Many are called but few are chosen. Matt. 22:14;
But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 1 Peter 2:9
An Allegory
A King looks out of His window, observing the people that walk the street beneath his view every day. Desiring to bless each of them, He sends his servants out with a message to the masses. The servants gladly do the bidding of the King because they too had been called. They cry aloud, “The King is calling you. He wants to pour out his love, favor, grace, and mercy upon you. He has called you to receive his unbelievable and eternal blessings. His daily cry is: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matt. 11:28-29 (KJV).
A few people stop to listen to the servants and ask, “Why would the King call us? We are nothings and nobodies. We don’t have anything and we’ve done bad things”. Others say to the servants: “We don’t believe that there is a King in that palace. We think you are crazy to try to get us to believe that there be such a person.” Others in the group refuse to even think about whether or not there is an answer to their situation.”
The servants excitedly explain that they too were called by the King. They also felt unworthy at the time that they heard the King’s call. The servants reassure the listeners that if they could just have enough faith to answer the call, they would be greatly blessed. Persuaded by the testimonies of the servants, a few of the listeners follow the servants to the palace of the King. Though nervous, they excitedly believe the report. They answer the King’s call and discover that the King did everything that he said that he would do.
Explanation of the allegory
In this little allegory, the King is the God of the universe. The listeners who answered the call are the men, woman or children who dare to trust in God’s word and the ability of the blood of Jesus Christ to transform anyone from a sinner to a Saint. In response to the call, they repent of their sins and receive salvation. The servants of the allegory are the Saints who responded to God’s call, were blood-washed and cleansed from all unrighteousness. They were then chosen or selected to a position of service for the Lord. God’s chosen servants were able to convince some of the people that the power of God can make them worthy vessels, fit for salvation.
Jesus saves
When God calls an individual, the person must first understand that he needs salvation and that only Jesus Christ can meet that need. He then must apply his measure of faith that every man is given (Romans 12:3) and trust that the God who called him can save him. When that individual repents he receives one of the greatest blessings of all time: he receives forgiveness for his sins and his feet are placed on the Highway of Holiness. His relationship with the God of the Universe is restored and he is on his way to Heaven with all of the richness and glory that it entails.
Chosen one
The word “chosen” means to be selected as the best or most appropriate for a specific task, and it comes after a response to a call. The chosen one is the object of divine favor. An individual who is chosen by God must be convinced that, in spite of how unworthy the person may feel, God makes no mistakes. He must know that His God is sovereign, and God’s judgment is flawless. If God deems one to be worthy, then the individual must believe what God says.
Belief in what God says is essential
For Salvation
Belief in God’s ability to make us into who He says we can be is a critical point in both salvation as well as in the service of the Lord. Unless an individual can trust the salvation message that God sends through his servants, that individual will either focus upon his shortcomings and/or reject the call. Either way, the salvation that God offers to every man is not obtained.
For Service
Those who are chosen to ministry or service must also believe that God is able to make him worthy in spite of what he feels to be his shortcomings. Unless the chosen one can trust the Lord’s judgment without hesitation, he may miss the opportunity to receive the promised blessings of the Lord. Whatever God chose you to do, do it with all of your heart.
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee … Jer. 1:5
If it applies to you, pray this prayer with me. Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you that you opened my heart to receive the truth of your Holy Word. I thank you for my salvation and deliverance from sin. And I further thank You for choosing me to do the work that You have called me to do. All glory and honor go to You. I humble myself therefore under your Mighty Hand so that You might have thine own way in my life. In the Mighty name of Jesus, I pray. Amen and Amen.
