Paul was vehement in his hatred for and persecution of the young church, of all who had become followers of Jesus Christ. Wherever he went, the believers were fearful of his potential actions. Continuing his outrage, Paul went to the high priest and asked for authorization to bring to Jerusalem all believers he found in Damascus, that they could be sentenced for their heretical beliefs. But, on the way to Damascus, Christ intervened; Christ confronted him with his sinful actions and transformed his life. Blinded, he was led to Damascus. As he waited, the Lord called Ananias to go to Paul. Knowing Paul’s reputation, he hesitated. The Lord then said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel” (Acts 9.15). Ananias went; Paul’s eyes were opened, and he was used mightily in spreading the Gospel.
We are not Paul; the Lord has not directly spoken to us, or anyone else, about our salvation and the purpose He has for us. However, the words spoken to Ananias about Paul are true for every believer. Every believer is a “chosen” by the Lord; we were chosen in Christ “before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1.4); chosen for salvation. Every believer is an “chosen instrument” of the Lord (2 Timothy 2.21), specifically gifted to be used by the Lord for His purpose. Every believer is called to “carry his name” before other people; all are ”ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5.20); all have the responsibility of declaring the Gospel, of representing Christ wherever we are. May we be fully committed to the Lord’s calling. We have been chosen for purpose, have been made instruments for His glory, and have been commissioned as His ambassadors. Additionally, He has enabled us to be successful in our calling, equipping us by His Spirit and providing us with everything we need (2 Peter 1.3-4) to do His will. Chosen by God is both a great responsibility and a great privilege.
Being chosen instruments – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry Burlingame
My Morning Desk 