Bless the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  He has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing that comes from heaven.  God chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless in God’s presence before the creation of the world. God destined us to be His adopted children through Jesus Christ because of His love. This was according to His goodwill and plan and to honor His glorious grace that He has given to us freely through the Son whom He loves. …. Ephesians 1

It was one of those moments that seemed unimportant to some, but it was crushing to me. I can remember standing on the playground at Jones-Wheat Elementary School in Bainbridge. We were getting ready for a friendly game of kick-ball during recess and everyone was lined up across from the “captains.” Now, like all boys and girls, I was confident that I was the best choice possible. I knew nobody could out kick, out run, or out defend me, but when the ‘captains’ began making their choices, I was ignored. I wasn’t chosen first … or second … or fifth. In fact, I wasn’t chosen at all. After the choices were made, the captain who picked last said: “Okay, I guess I’ll take Tucker.” Translation required, “Okay. I guess I’m stuck with Tucker.”
This wasn’t the first time or the last time this happened. Many have been stuck with me over the years.

The Gospels tells us how Jesus passed by the Sea of Galilee and told those fishermen, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” One by one, He chose them … Them … common, ordinary men and women. And lest they feel confident about their decision to follow, He reminded them: “You didn’t choose me; I chose you and appointed you, that you might bear much fruit.” Paul told the church at Ephesus: “God chose us in Christ Jesus.” Wait! How revolutionary is that? I didn’t choose to follow Jesus; He chose to call me. And He chose you! He chose us all. When we were lined up on the “playground” of life, He came along and said: “Follow me. You’ve made the team.” Like Mean Joe Green in the Coke Commercial, God bestowed upon us a special “jersey,” the righteousness of Christ. He made us Holy and He calls us to live in holiness of heart and life. I made the team; Jesus chose me! Hallelujah!

Lord Jesus, Team Captain, thank you for choosing me. I know that there is nothing good about me, but you. I realize that it’s not what I can do, but what you can do through me. I realize it’s not my talent or skills or knowledge or wisdom, but you working in me and through me! And so, today, I yield to you. Teach me, Lord. Equip me, Lord. Empower me, Lord, so that I might be ever, only all for you. And thank you for allowing me to “play” on the winning team. In Christ’s name … AMEN!