So that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. – Ephesians 1:12
Each year as collegiate sports seasons end, professional teams line up to select the top players from the universities. Recently, for the Women’s National Basketball Association, Caitlin Clark was a shoo-in for the number one pick. Her record-breaking season, discipline, and skills on the court, along with her leadership roles, were claimed by the Indiana Fever.
Pastor John Beehler wrote, “Each one of us is God’s number one draft choice. God drafted us as the FIRST pick in the first round. … Even though we’re not even worthy to BE drafted, God made each one of us His number one draft choice. Unlike those college players, God CHOSE us in spite of our stat sheets.” As Jesus said, in John 15:16, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide.” His purpose in choosing you and giving you the responsibilities He has is not for your own glory, but to the praise of His glory.
Just as athletes play together on teams, God calls you not to “go it alone.“ Staying with the metaphor, the opposing team of evil is strong. They are devious and use every cunning trick to keep you from achieving God’s goal. As your coach, the Holy Spirit gives you guidance. The Bible is your “play book,“ outlining the rules of engagement. Christ is already triumphant, and His team’s victory is certain. As the old Sunday School chorus says, “By Thy grace divine, We are on the Lord’s team. Savior, we are Thine.” Ask Him for wisdom and endurance in the position He has established for you. Pray for candidates in the coming election who are on the Lord’s team, and for discernment to recognize who they are.
Today’s Verse: Ephesians 1:12
so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 2 Peter 1:3-11
3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
