This message is for anyone who thinks lowly of themselves because of their past, their current weaknesses or what others think about them.

“But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1).

This verse is spoken to Jacob, the ancestor of the people of Israel, by God through the prophet Isaiah. But God is “the same yesterday, today and forever,” (Hebrews 13:8), so we can hear and accept the same  promise for us today. We are a chosen people, (1 Peter 2:9), called and well known by God. As God told Jeremiah, in chapter 1 verse 5, He knew us before we were even born and He has plans for us, (Jeremiah 29:11). We have been chosen. You are chosen.

I used to teach Health and Physical Education and I’ve been reminded of some days in gym class when we were preparing to play a game, (after exercise and running of course). As the teacher, I would choose two students to pick teams. They would come out in front of the class and begin picking those they wanted on their team. Of course, they’d choose the best players first and go on from there. It always bothered me somewhat when they got down to the last few kids left in the crowd who weren’t very good. I’m sure they knew their game skills didn’t match up with those chosen first. But they got chosen anyway. Maybe you were one of those in the back. Maybe you think of yourself that way now.

Well, I got a vision once of a different scenario  when people were being chosen for a mission. I saw the people all in a bunch on the gym floor but Jesus was standing out front and He was going to be picking His team. Just recently, I envisioned this scene again but with this exchange: Jesus looks over the crowd, points to the back and says, “You, back there, I choose you.”, as He points out a person in the back. The person says, “But Jesus, I’m weak, I’m filthy, I’m a mess!” Jesus replies, “I know all that but I’ll take care of it.” Come up here and join Me.” The person shyly makes their way through the crowd and stands before Jesus. He says, “Now, take off those filthy rags and put on these clean garments.” Isaiah 61:3 says God will give us, “beauty for ashes and a garment of praise for despair”.  God will also make us the guest of honor at His gathering, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; (Psalms 23:5). The person accepts Jesus’ offer and becomes “Chosen”. Can you see it?

So, if you’re one of those in the back of the crowd and messed up, know that you’re God’s mess and He’ll clean you up and prepare you for His mission if you’ll accept His invitation. You have been CHOSEN! I wrote a blog post in 2006 from a vision I received which speaks to this topic. You can read it here, The Great Exchange. Be blessed as you step out and be a part of God’s team. You are chosen!