Christian Living

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In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:11-14


THE CHOSEN

The Chosen! From the beginning, God's people have known themselves The Chosen. "From our lips to God's ears" one might say, but actually, the declaration came from God's lips, marking a people as His bride. At times, they thrilled in the glory of it. At times they fought against it ... wanting other lovers, other suitors. At times, they lived in beautiful unity with their bridegroom; but all too often the chosen, flagrantly walking as 'ladies of the night,' brought anything but glory to the Chooser. Yet always they remain Love's chosen.

The chosen! The fixation of an eternal hatred determined to use them to bleed his Enemy out. An 'eternal hatred' trying, over and over, with a counterfeit to Love's choosing, to accomplish the 'working out of his will.'

I just returned from a museum in Houston established in remembrance to this counterfeit choosing. Yellow stars, black tattoos mark their selection. Cattle cars, towering chimneys testify to the final solution of this will. Love's nemesis working out, yet again, his purpose.

Paul's words speak into this smoky arena. Expose the counterfeit. Confirm the promise of Love's call. A calling that is in Him. Where the called once more wear indelible marks ... a mark sealing their destiny… marking the Chosen His possession. Gifting them an eternal inheritance in the Beloved. A destiny where the Called reflect the Caller's glory and bear Him praise.

A plan has been in operation, devised before the foundation of the world. A bloodying that would bring The Called ultimate purity. Those chosen in Him would find cleansing, forgiveness, redemption. Death ... unto life. Despite the efforts of the mighty counterfeiter, there remains One always on the scene "working out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will" determined that we "might be for the praise of His glory."



Almighty God, may Your grace ever grant me the mercy to remember this when faced with the wiles of the counterfeiter. They will come, time and again, yet all his attempts to burn his mark upon my life can never efface the promise that I am Yours. Eternally Yours. All his efforts cannot ever thwart Your purposed call of love. Keep working, LORD, until everything in my life conforms … truly conforms to purpose of Your will and only Your will.




© 15 July 2007
DeAnna Brooks

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