You Are Chosen

Share

KJB Daily DevotionFollowing Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date: Sunday, November 20, 2016
Chapters: Acts 9-10
Message: You Are Chosen

Hello My Friend,

you-are-chosenConvert, To change or turn from the law of works to the law of grace, by Jesus Christ. Did you know that Jesus chose you? You could have been the most ruthless, hated person, but Jesus chose you. You see, unlike us who see with our eyes, Jesus sees with the heart, and while we are all capable of doing some horrendous things, He knows the heart, whether or not it is capable of being converted and used for Him. “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.” – John 15:16.

I have to say that sometimes God will use ruthless people to judge His people in order to get them to convert and turn to Him, but more than anything He wants all to be converted, what better way to see some convert than to use someone who was once ruthless. It was no surprise that God would save anyone regardless of their race as we read throughout the Old Testament of the many Gentiles who were converted. Saul, a Pharisee, did like any other person who is faithful to their religion, he defended it and if that meant he was going to persecute the ones who broke the law he followed through. You can imagine what was going on in the minds of the Jews as so many were converting from Judaism to Christianity, Saul, willing to defend the faith vowed to persecute anyone who converted and started talking about Jesus. On his way to Damascus he got a visit from Jesus Himself and was instructed to meet man named Ananias, a devout Christian, knowing what Saul was capable of.

And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.” – Acts 9:10-17.

for he is a chosen vessel unto me,” Jesus knew Saul’s heart, I imagine when he witnessed Stephen getting stoned to death that he felt something was wrong there. Perhaps he was afraid of getting stoned or persecuted himself, but Jesus saw something in him that He decided He was going to convert and use him to preach the Gospel for the rest of his life. Let me tell you, regardless of who you are the world knows you and what you are capable of and as long as you are on their side, they will leave you alone, but as soon as you start preaching Jesus, it is over. Saul was saved, got baptized, so excited, and immediately began preaching the Gospel. Of course, that did not go over so well with the Jews or Christians.

And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.” – Acts 9:19-26.

and believed not that he was a disciple.It takes a long time for any of us to accept someone who has been converted, especially if we know what they are capable of. I am dealing with this issue myself right now, I saw someone from another church cause havoc, which was one of the reasons we left, who is now in my church, moving up fast in the church and even though he apologized for what happen I still do not trust them. It is not for us to decide whether or not a person is true when they start preaching Jesus, but if they truly are converted and sincere, their works will reveal who they really are after you have witnessed them for a while. “Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” – Matthew 7:19-20.

Now, while God accepted anyone, regardless of their race or the time in which they were around (before Christianity), at first the apostles and disciples who preached the Gospel pretty much stayed within the confinements of the Jewish population, but God was about to change all that. He met with Peter and showed him an unusual vision as he was hungry, but still kept to the law of what was clean and unclean to eat.

And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate, And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.” – Acts 10:13-20.

What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.God was referring to the Gentiles, who the Jews always saw as common and unclean. Jesus cleanses the unclean once we are converted, it does not matter what race, religion, or nation we belong to, if we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, that He died a sinless death, and arose, and receive Him by grace we are converted, clean, and not common. Peter realizes this later on when he met Cornelius. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” – Acts 10:25-25,34-35.

God is no respecter of persons:” How amazing is it that God is no respecter of persons? He offers salvation to everyone, He did it before Christ, and He does it today, through Christ. He gives the same opportunities to everyone, and He has the same judgment for everyone. We do not have to be perfect to come to Christ, in fact, we need to be imperfect so that He can be the one to make us perfect. We do have to be a willing vessel, and I do not know about you, but I rather be the vessel God uses to preach Christ rather than to judge He people. “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” – II Timothy 2:19-21.

Jesus Christ Magnified: “And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” – Acts 10:42-43.

Today’s Prayer: Jesus, I will never understand why You chose me to be Your vessel to preach Your Gospel when I am just a sinner save by grace, trying to keep from falling myself, but I do understand that You are my power and strength to do everything You call me to do. Lord, I do want to be a vessel of honor, lead me and guide me, fill me with Your power, strength, wisdom, and discernment to do the work You call me to do, when I am scared or unsure of what You have given me to do, give me peace and comfort knowing that whether, I see them get saved or not, I am a witness and testimony of how You can convert anyone and use them for Your glory. Thank you Jesus, and I pray this in Your name, Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,

Christina

Are You 100% Sure You Are Going To Heaven?: http://imfollowingjesus.com/follow-Jesus.html
Receive The KJB Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
Missed A Message: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/
Visit I’m Following Jesus: http://imfollowingjesus.com/index.html
Like I’m Following Jesus On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byhisstrength

Copyright © 2016 I’m Following Jesus, All rights reserved.