Matthew 22:14 “For many are invited, but few are chosen.”
This is another passage that troubles me. Jesus is using another parable; this time about the Wedding Banquet. I get that many are invited. I know a lot of people who say they know God, that they even worship God in some way but haven't given themselves over to God, not even in a small way....even by their own admission. They seem like they don't know what that means. They can relay stories of how God has been with them, has provided for them but their experiences seem to be around what God does for them and not about their relationship with Him. So I get that people are invited to this relationship but don't put any effort into the relationship being a two way street.
The part that bothers me, is "but few are chosen". Does that mean that some people, even though they are invited to a relationship with God are not chosen to be part of His kingdom? And since they are not chosen, they are not part of the kingdom and perhaps aren't even going to be in heaven? That sort of implies that God won't LET some people receive the gift of salvation. It is His creation and plan so that would certainly be within His rights to do that but it bothers me.
Perhaps it means that of all the people of God's creation, some are chosen for specialty jobs. This is the explanation I prefer. I can name people who seem to have a special call on their lives, that their place in God's kingdom on earth has more guidance, more meat, more fruit-bearing possibilities. In this explanation, one could easily point out pastors, preachers, teachers, musicians, and others who seem to be hand-picked by God for special purposes. More than that number are invited but only some are chosen for more "responsibility". Maybe. I'll go with that.
God, I want to be part of Your plan in any way You want to use me. I trust You will give me what I need to do what You want. - whether that be a lot or a little. It is Your choice! Amen.
This is another passage that troubles me. Jesus is using another parable; this time about the Wedding Banquet. I get that many are invited. I know a lot of people who say they know God, that they even worship God in some way but haven't given themselves over to God, not even in a small way....even by their own admission. They seem like they don't know what that means. They can relay stories of how God has been with them, has provided for them but their experiences seem to be around what God does for them and not about their relationship with Him. So I get that people are invited to this relationship but don't put any effort into the relationship being a two way street.
The part that bothers me, is "but few are chosen". Does that mean that some people, even though they are invited to a relationship with God are not chosen to be part of His kingdom? And since they are not chosen, they are not part of the kingdom and perhaps aren't even going to be in heaven? That sort of implies that God won't LET some people receive the gift of salvation. It is His creation and plan so that would certainly be within His rights to do that but it bothers me.
Perhaps it means that of all the people of God's creation, some are chosen for specialty jobs. This is the explanation I prefer. I can name people who seem to have a special call on their lives, that their place in God's kingdom on earth has more guidance, more meat, more fruit-bearing possibilities. In this explanation, one could easily point out pastors, preachers, teachers, musicians, and others who seem to be hand-picked by God for special purposes. More than that number are invited but only some are chosen for more "responsibility". Maybe. I'll go with that.
God, I want to be part of Your plan in any way You want to use me. I trust You will give me what I need to do what You want. - whether that be a lot or a little. It is Your choice! Amen.
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