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God’s Leaders are Chosen
January 2006 by Ted Schroeder

Read
Exodus 3, Mark 1:16–20, and Acts 9:1–9. What similarities do you see?

Marcia sat in the pastor’s office. She had just been elected president of the congregation.

“I don’t know what I was thinking, Pastor,” she said. “I can’t do this job. I’m not qualified. I don’t even know how to run a meeting. How can I lead this congregation?” “But you said ‘yes,’ when you were asked to run,” the pastor suggested. “I know I did. And I don’t know what possessed me to say that.” “I do!” the pastor said. “God’s Spirit possessed you. You are the right person at the right time to do the job.” “Me? But how can you be so sure?” “Because you were chosen. That’s what makes leaders in the church, what they all have in common. They are chosen.”

God’s leaders have always been chosen. God’s choosing is constant in the Bible. In every case, those God sought out to do great things were unready, unqualified, and almost always reluctant. In every case, God was able to do marvelous, miraculous things through these chosen ones.

Look at Moses, the disciples, and Paul. They all became leaders. They did nothing less than change the world for generations—centuries. Moses, reluctant though he was, led the people of Israel out of Egypt, brought them to the Promised Land, and made them a nation. The disciples boldly proclaimed the good news in “Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”(Acts 1:8). And Paul, through his preaching and writing, opened salvation to all.

But those leaders had something else in common—something Marcia shares with them. None of them sought the job they were given. Moses was hiding in the wilderness when God found him and called him. The “simple Galilean” disciples were living quiet lives as fishermen. And Paul was in the midst of an active persecution of the followers of Jesus when he was confronted, chosen, and called. Yet each responded to the call and each became a perfect tool for God’s saving action in the world.

Whatever task God has set before you in the church or in God’s world, whatever you feel called to do, God can do great things through you. Not because you are qualified or especially trained. Not because you sought the job or seek anything for yourself. But because the Spirit of God has possessed you, called you, helped you say “yes,” and will use you to do what God has in mind for you.

Jesus said and continues to say, “You did not choose me but I chose you. . . .” (John 15:16)

For reflection or discussion
What does it mean to you to know that you are chosen by God?

Prayer
Lord, help us to move into the future you have set for us with the confidence that comes from knowing that we are your chosen ones. Set us on fire with the Spirit so that we can climb out of tired ruts, set out on new paths, and move boldly in witness and service. In the name of the one who chose us. Amen. 

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