If you are in Christ, you have been chosen.
Chosen for a mission of supernatural significance (Matthew 28:19–20).
Chosen to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).
Chosen to be a living epistle, written on the hearts of man (2Corinthians 3:2).
Chosen as a beacon of bright light in the darkness (Matthew 5:14).
Chosen for a privilege you could never earn and do not deserve—to be on co-mission with Christ for the spread of the gospel and the glory of God. As we park in Acts 15–16, Timothy is our mascot for this truth. He was a part of something truly remarkable, a movement of God’s Spirit unlike anything the world had seen before. With his own eyes Timothy saw sinners become saints in droves. He saw churches being formed where there had never been churches before. He saw believers growing in strength and power in a culture determined to weaken them. He saw the fruit of a harvest of souls grow so rapidly he could measure the change day by day (Acts 16:5).
Timothy didn’t earn the right to be used by God in this way. It was mercy, not merit.
His position was preceded by a “sharp disagreement” between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:39). How’s that for starting off on the wrong foot? He was half Jewish with a momma who could no longer fit within the religious establishment. He was half Greek in an era when Gentiles were just discovering the door to the kingdom was open to them. Paul attempted to bridge the gap with a ritual to appease some, but likely just placed a bigger magnifying glass on the fact that Timothy didn’t fit into the expectations of others (Acts 16:3). He was a misfit, chosen for a mission he wasn’t qualified for. Aren’t we all?
Timothy’s calling reminds me of a beloved quote from another unlikely instrument. Helen Roseveare, the daughter of an English mathematician, was called by God to love and serve the people of the Congo. She saw the Spirit of God move too and once reflected,
“Looking back, one has tried to ‘count the cost,’ but I find it all swallowed up in privilege. The cost suddenly seems very small and transient in the greatness and permanence of the privilege.”
That’s the song that all unlikely instruments play: the greatness and permanence of the privilege of serving Christ. As we see how God used Timothy, let’s consider our own calling. Jesus didn’t draw us to Himself because we are worthy. He doesn’t use us to build His kingdom because we’ve climbed an invisible ladder of perfection or performance. Instead, He specializes in calling the underqualified and undeserving. Let’s marvel anew at our Timothyness—unworthy, yet chosen to serve.
Arina I relate to your comment and sometimes feel this way myself. As Linda said, we are saved by grace. God knows we are human and flawed and He chose us anyway. I often struggle with what unbelievers will think of my faith, but I realize, they see it anyway through the life I live. We are sometimes the only God someone gets to see. So don’t worry, instead focus on getting closer to God. Spend more time with Him. Talk to him about the comment you left here today and let Him tell you how He feels about it and about you. Praying for you Arina <3
Whoops posted too early. I wanted to say that the struggle is real, and that I you Arina for being honest about your struggles. I will pray for you and I hope some of the comments helped you like they helped me.
Arina thank you for sharing your struggle. Yesterday I had such an uncharitable attitude I felt so ashamed, I did t even want to pray I felt like hiding like Adam and Eve did in the garden.
What a blessing this reading was today! I celebrate my husband’s 25th birthday away from him today as he completes his army basic training, and I was tempted this morning to sit and feel sorry for myself. Today’s reading reminded me that as difficult as this new season in my husband and my life seems at times to be, it becomes a marvelous gift when I consider the great privilege it is to serve with my husband for our savior.
IF God had to depend on perfect people to accomplish His work, He would never, ever get anything done. Our limitations and imperfections are good reason for us to depend on the grace of God, for our sufficiency is from Him alone. Blessings to all. Praying for requests. ❤️
Reminds me of the story of Gideon. God is faithful! And He has a plan for us even when we don’t feel like we can be used for something so great— those He calls be equips— no matter what he calls us to, he will give us everything we need to live out that calling. One step at a time.
Living in the constant state of failure isn’t fun! I’ve been there lots! What helps me is to keep going back to the word and time with the Lord. Praying for you!
Aroma…thanks for your brutal honesty this morning… you are not alone in your questioning…many of us experience the same things… (perhaps the ??s are different, because Satan so carefully plants seeds of doubt in ways that will distract us from God’s truth) Reread today’s lesson, and give thanks that God chose YOU, just as Paul chose Timothy… we are ALL flawed, chipped vessels… BUT by God’s Grace, and the Holy Spirit’s presence, Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, God uses our willingness to reach others with His message!!
I have often been touched by your comments, and I appreciate you’re humble spirit. When I reread my comments, I realized that I’m also preaching to myself!
Thank you LORD for SRT.,. Keeping our focus on the TRUTH of God’s Holy Word in these days of Doubt and Confusion!!