Chosen by God

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This message is based on the words of Jesus in John 15, "I have chosen you and ordained you that you bear much fruit," and in Matthew 22, "Many are called, but few are chosen."

Written Excerpts:

Chosen by God

John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Introduction

I want to begin by briefly giving an explanation of the context in John 15:16, and also taking a brief look at the parable given by Jesus in Matthew 22 from which comes the phrase “many are called but few are chosen.”

One writer (Wm. Barclay) pointed out that the imagery of the vine (used here in the beginning of chapter 15) was one that had been employed by God several times throughout the Old Testament. The Jewish nation had many times been referred to as a vine or vineyard of God. The vine had actually become the symbol of the nation of Israel. The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Hosea had all used the analogy in their messages, and they lamented how that the vine or vineyards did not perform as God had desired. Now, Jesus is identifying himself as the true vine (as distinguished from those in the OT who had proven unfaithful and wild).

Jesus points out to those who are listening that they are connected to Him like branches on a vine if they truly have a relationship with Him. Their Jewish heritage wasn’t enough; they must be connected to Jesus.

In the verses closer to our text, Jesus is explaining the meaning of love and true friendship. He points out to His Disciples that they are not slaves, but friends.

(Adam Clarke) They did not choose Him (as most Jewish people would do in choosing a Teacher to learn from and follow), but He has chosen them to be His disciples and followers, and He has ordained them (NKJV, appointed; or planted, put or placed in the vine).

What an amazing concept this must have been to those disciples when they heard these words. It is truly amazing for us as well to think that every one of us has been chosen by Jesus Christ to become one of His devoted disciples and followers.

Matthew 22:14

This passage contains a parable that Jesus told to illustrate God’s invitation to the nation of Israel to be totally devoted (“married”) to His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The parable seems to illustrate the rejection and dreadful treatment given to the prophets and messengers that God had sent to them. So God brings judgment upon those who had initially been invited, then he sends the servants out to bring in any guests they can find.

As the parable continues… we learn about the man discovered by the “king” not having the proper attire or clothing for the marriage feast.

(A. Clarke) Among the Orientals, long white robes were worn at public festivals; and those who appeared on such occasions with any other garments were esteemed, not only highly responsible, but worthy of punishment. Our Lord seems here to allude to Zephaniah 1:7, 8, The Lord hath prepared a SACRIFICE, he hath BIDDEN his guests. And it shall come to pass, in the day of the Lord's sacrifice, that I will PUNISH the princes, and the KING'S CHILDREN, and ALL SUCH as are clothed with STRANGE APPAREL. The person who invited the guests prepared such a garment for each, for the time being; and with which he was furnished on his application to the ruler of the feast. It was this which made the conduct of the person mentioned in the text inexcusable; he might have had a proper marriage garment, if he had applied for it.

To afford accidental guests clothing suitable to a marriage feast, was a custom among the ancient Greeks….

So, whether the guests had made proper reservations, or not, they were always provided with appropriate attire, and to neglect it or even reject it was unthinkable.

The spiritual application of this parable seems to be that God offers “robes of righteousness” to everyone He calls as guests to the marriage of His Son. Attempting to join in the celebration and the benefits of the marriage without accepting the “attire” that God’s provided is to invite the wrath of a perfectly holy God.

It is in the context of this parable that Jesus announces, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” The use of the terms “called” and “chosen” make is sound as though God is the only One who is making a decision. Yet, if we re-examine the parable, the “chosen ones” were the people who accepted the invitation and the provision of appropriate attire.

I do not believe for a minute that God arbitrarily selects some people to be saved and others to be lost. I believe it is more accurate to say He has decreed that all who accept His calling will be chosen for salvation.

So, both of these passages (John 15 and Matt 22) have given us some insight into this matter of being called and chosen by God to belong to Him and to follow Him as a fervent disciple.

I would like to focus today on three of the callings of God.

The Calling for Salvation

The Bible is very clear that God is calling every human being into a saving relationship with Him.

Rev. 3:20 – Doesn’t actually use the word “call” but the image is implied as Jesus stands at the door of our hearts and knocks; waiting for us to hear His voice, open the door and invite Him into our hearts and lives.

Isaiah 43:1 – “… thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.”

Luke 5:32 – “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Acts 2:39 – “For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”

1 Cor. 1:9 – “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”

These passages and many others we could have quoted all point to the fact that God is constantly calling men and women and children to seek Him for salvation. He’s calling all of us to come to him in surrender and repentance to accept the grace He offers and the forgiveness for our sins that we so desperately need.

Do you remember when and how God called you?

The Calling for Vocation

Not only does God call us to come to Him for salvation from sin and judgment, but He calls us with a purpose to fill, a job to do, and a mission to accomplish.

There are many illustrations in the Old Testament and the New Testament of people who were in a relationship with God, but they heard God calling them to a specific task, vocation, or ministry. I think of Moses; Samuel; and the Apostle Paul. I read in the Gospels where Jesus called his disciples and out of them He chose twelve whom he appointed apostles. (Lk. 6:13)

I remember the day that God spoke to my heart and called me to serve Him in full-time ministry. I didn’t know at the time that He wanted me to be a pastor, but I knew He was calling me to serve Him in some kind of ministry.

God not only calls people into ministry, but God calls people into various vocations; to use their skills and knowledge to glorify Him and to advance His Kingdom. God spoke through His servant Moses and called various gifted and talented people to come and use their abilities to build the tabernacle and make the utensils so the nation could honor God by obediently worshiping Him.

God still calls individuals today into various fields of work and labor for Him.

Sometimes people, especially young people, get the idea that since God hasn’t called me to be a preacher or missionary, then I just need to find something to do that pleases me and provides a comfortable income. But God may have something specific he wants you to do. Whatever He calls you to pursue, do it with intention and purpose to glorify God and expand His Kingdom.

What do you suppose God wants you to be/do? He will guide you and show you if you will remain surrendered to His will.

The Calling for Holiness

There are at least two different letters that the Apostle Paul writes in which he describes the recipients of the letter as people who have been “called to be saints.” (Romans & 1 Cor.)

Dear friends, it is still true… God calls His children to a life of godliness and holiness. He calls us to separate ourselves by His grace from the moral and spiritual darkness that surrounds us. He calls us to virtue, cleanliness and sacred living. We are to be different than the world in our behavior, our attitudes and our values. It seems that many so-called Christians today do not see the need to be any different than the unbelievers we associate with each day, but God calls us to be holy; to be saints.

The good news is – He doesn’t simply give us a command and then expect us to live up to it in our own strength and knowledge, but He will provide His Spirit to guide us and empower us to live the way He wants us to live.

Conclusion

We have been talking about the call of God and being chosen by God. I trust that everyone here today has heard the voice of the Holy Spirit and you have responded in obedience.

If you haven’t responded to His call for salvation and forgiveness of your sins, please respond today.

If you haven’t responded in obedience to His call on your life for your vocation and mission, please obey Him today.

If you have been making excuses for not following His call to holiness, please submit to the cleansing power of His Spirit today.