Verse for today – “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world… (Ephesians 1:4).”

Did you know that the world, the galaxies, and the universe are not a large science experiment? Did you know that you are not an afterthought? The only reason God made this universe is because He wanted to create a home for you, His chosen sons and daughters. God picked you for His very own before the world began! ALSO, when this world grows old, and God rolls it up like an old piece of clothing, only YOU, His chosen sons and daughters, will join Him in a new heaven and a new earth.

You see, God chose you, Christian; you, who belong to Jesus and follow Jesus. He chose you before He made the world and you will one day inherit a kingdom which cannot be shaken. This is the first of the “spiritual blessings” mentioned in verse 3; God chose you. He knows the future. He saw you before you were born. He picked YOU! He loves YOU! AND, He is guiding your life and making you into a beautiful masterpiece (more about this in the days to follow).

Now I realize there is an enormous debate out there in Christendom about this verse. Does God choose us, or do we choose Him? If He chooses us, can we say no? If He does not choose us, are we lost forever? I understand I will not be able to settle this dispute, nor do I plan on trying. I do have an opinion and I imagine most readers will pick up on my opinion if they continue this journey through God’s Word with me. But I must say, the main reason I believe this debate has not been settled is because we cannot understand the answer at this point in time. God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). If this were not true, we would be in big trouble. God knows the future and we do not. God knows the mysteries of His creation, while our understanding is very limited. There comes a time when we must trust our Creator. I will leave it at that! God Himself chose you, Christian, before the foundation of the world, for His own great and eternal purposes. I believe our response should be to choose Him in return; to trust Him; to rejoice in the goodness of God. We should celebrate every day of our lives because He made us and loves us and CHOSE US for His very own!