God’s Chosen People

“For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;” I Corinthians 1:26-27 NKJV

Reflection: why does God choose who the world considers foolish and weak to be His people? 

Not sure if you saw the news the other day, but Spain and Portugal experienced basically complete blackouts for a few days. The governments are officially claiming they don’t understand why, but independent thinkers and media say that this is due to a strategy of moving completely over to so-called renewable energy of wind, sun, etc, away from fossil fuels. And the grid basically collapsed. And we can argue about the use of fossil fuels, but clearly what was lacking in Spain and Portugal was common sense. When intellectuals are trying to run things as opposed to focusing on serving the people. Their agenda was clear, but was missing common sense. And instead of admitting failure and looking at other solutions, they are doubling down and committing hundreds of billions to expand the focus on renewables. 

There is an interesting parallel to the message from Paul to the Corinthians here, of who God chose to call “For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.” I Corinthians 1:26 NKJV. Not wise in the flesh (think intellectual), not mighty in power or status, not even noble of some sort of bloodline or position. And then he goes on explaining “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;” I Corinthians 1:27 NKJV. Now, why is that? Why didn’t God pick the smartest, the mightiest, or even of nobility?  Simply put, 

They don’t need God. 

Or at least, so they think. Have you ever listened to, or been around an “intellectual”, or someone who thinks they are very smart? Or at least smarter than you? You find a person full of pride, unable to listen to others because they hold themselves in such high esteem. Same thing with the wealthy or mighty, looking down on others thinking they are in a different class. The elite. And of course those of noble blood wanting to be worshipped. Could any of these carry the message of the cross of Christ? How God himself became a servant in human likeness, and in obedience died for the sins of mankind? 

So what about Paul? He was a Pharisee, an intellectual according to the Jewish standard. He is what he said of his own training and intellect, “[I was] circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ”Philippians 3:5-8 NKJV. 

There is something so beautiful about how God chooses whom to call, to be part of His people, His inheritance. Only those who really need Him. He reveals Himself to those who are empty in themselves, not full of themselves. Who perhaps have been brought to a low place in life, for whatever reason. The message of the cross is simple. “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” I Corinthians 1:18 NKJV. And for all those who are called, and have received Christ and believe in his name, are

God’s chosen people. 

Review Your Cart
0
Add Coupon Code
Subtotal