READ: MATTHEW 9:9-11
In God’s army, just like
in the army of any nation, besides recruits, you also have officers. How does
God appoint officers in His army? Is it by application or lobbying? No. It is
by divine choice. As the sovereign God, He does exactly as He pleases. He
decides who He appoints as captain. 1 Corinthians 12:11, 28 says God is the One
who decides who occupies each of the ministry offices and gifts- apostle,
prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher, etc. Do you occupy any of these offices presently?
Congratulations. This could be a sign of divine choice if you got it directly
from Him. But if you bribed or manipulated your way into the office, your
position has no foundation. It is not recognized by heaven. Go and settle with
Him.
When God chooses someone as an officer in His army, the previous background and antecedents of the fellow has no relevance. Being an armed robber before your conversion does not prevent you from being chosen. Mary Magdalene, an ex-super witch, possessed by seven powerful demons; after conversion, and deliverance became the first announcer of Jesus resurrection. Her loyalty was unparalleled. She sought Him even when the apostles hid for fear of being victimized by the Jews. As a result, she became the first person to see the risen Lord.
Matthew the tax collector was another case in point. He had an ugly past. Those days, tax collectors were hated for their nefarious activities and extortions. But after he was chosen by Jesus, he became the first writer of the New Testament. You have been called into the kingdom of God. You are also called into His service. But have you been chosen? Are you allowing the mistakes, sinful life-style and anti-God posture of the past stand in your way? Are you thinking you have no place or future in Christ? You do. If you can truly repent of your sins, confess them to Him and forsake them with a determination never to return to them, and then invite Jesus into your heart, you will have a fresh start. In Christ, you have a glorious future you will surely be proud of. A decision to follow Christ is an exciting adventure. Don’t lose the future awaiting you in Christ!
When God chooses someone as an officer in His army, the previous background and antecedents of the fellow has no relevance. Being an armed robber before your conversion does not prevent you from being chosen. Mary Magdalene, an ex-super witch, possessed by seven powerful demons; after conversion, and deliverance became the first announcer of Jesus resurrection. Her loyalty was unparalleled. She sought Him even when the apostles hid for fear of being victimized by the Jews. As a result, she became the first person to see the risen Lord.
Matthew the tax collector was another case in point. He had an ugly past. Those days, tax collectors were hated for their nefarious activities and extortions. But after he was chosen by Jesus, he became the first writer of the New Testament. You have been called into the kingdom of God. You are also called into His service. But have you been chosen? Are you allowing the mistakes, sinful life-style and anti-God posture of the past stand in your way? Are you thinking you have no place or future in Christ? You do. If you can truly repent of your sins, confess them to Him and forsake them with a determination never to return to them, and then invite Jesus into your heart, you will have a fresh start. In Christ, you have a glorious future you will surely be proud of. A decision to follow Christ is an exciting adventure. Don’t lose the future awaiting you in Christ!
MEMORIZE:
MATTHEW 9:13 –But go you and learn what that means, I will have mercy, and not
sacrifice; for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
