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A faithful presence of love in the absences of our city.

Good News

Good News

“You did not chose me, but I chose you.” John 15:16

“The older shall serve the younger.” Genesis 25:23

On Sunday we heard about how God chose to bless Jacob even while he was still in the womb.  In light of that, I want to propose three reasons why it’s good news that (like Jacob) God chose us way before we ever chose him.

Firstly, it means your salvation doesn’t depend on you.  Christ didn’t just make salvation possible, He accomplished it all for you.  You weren’t saved when you chose to follow Jesus.  You were saved 2000 years ago in 1st century Palestine when a Jewish Rabbi was raised from the dead.  The objectivity of this truth provides a sure and steadfast anchor for the soul.  No matter your circumstance, struggle, failure, sin, doubt, or anxiety in life, nothing can undo the reality that Christ is risen from the dead.  In Him you are eternally safe.

Secondly, it means your walk with Jesus doesn’t depend primarily on you.  Do you ever forget about God through the ups-and-downs of the week?  Ever forget to pray entirely?  While I wouldn’t recommend that, know that when you  do forget about God… Jesus never forgets about you.  He remembers you before the Father, interceding for you even this very moment.  In fact, He always lives to make intercession.  He never stops working for you, and because of that your faith is sustained.

Lastly, it means your glory doesn’t depend on you.  Ever get exhausted with the performancism of our day?  Tired of trying to please other people?  Are you a perfectionist?  Burned out by the never ending hamster-wheel of promotions, deadlines, grades, or exams?  Well know that in Jesus your ultimate performance and identity is complete.  He takes all the riches he has earned, and lavishes them freely upon you.  He gives you His glory (think about that).  An inheritance that Jacob couldn’t screw up and one that you can’t either.  An eternal weight of glory that’s not worth comparing to the light momentary struggles we feel now.  

Friends, don’t look within yourself.  Look outside yourself to the Triune God who (like Jacob) chose you even before time began.  Enjoy his immeasurable favor, and then go make His glory your only aim.

~Luke Yeager