Chosen
I, the Lord, was ready
answer even those
who were not asking
and to be found by those
who were not searching.
To a nation that refused
to worship me,
I said, “Here I am!” ~ Isaiah 65:1 (CEV)
But you are the chosen race, the King's priests, the holy nation, God's own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his own marvelous light. At one time you were not God's people, but now you are his people; at one time you did not know God's mercy, but now you have received his mercy. ~ 1 Peter 2:9-10 (GNT)
KEY IDEA:
God has chosen us to proclaim his wonderful deeds.
PRAYER:
Lord, even though I'm among those who have only halfheartedly sought you, you still chose us -- chose me -- to share your good news. Thank you for including me and trusting me with responsibility. Empower me to be a faithful messenger. This is my calling. Amen.
TRANSLATIONS
ABP = Authorized Boydston Paraphrase — my own freestyle biblical adaptation — somewhere between paraphrase, commentary, and sermon
CEB = Common English Bible (©2011, the Common English Bible)
CEV = Contemporary English Version (©1995, American Bible Society)
MSG = The Message (©1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson)
NIRV = New International Reader's Version (©1996, 1998, Biblica)
NIV = New International Version (©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011, Biblica)
NLT = New Living Translation (©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, Tyndale House Foundation)
