Do you remember the gym classes where two kids were chosen to be team captains? Each kid was then called by name to join a team. An early pick meant life was good. If not, there you stood exposed and vulnerable. I was never chosen early. As the smallest girl in my class, I knew to expect a late pick. Not only was I small, but others had seen how I responded when a ball flew towards me. I can still see it in my mind. Hands flying upward towards the heavens, strange shrieking noises coming out of my mouth, and worst of all, the jumping dance where my knees were practically touching my nose. Silently I prayed, begging God to not let the ball hit me when I should have prayed, “Please God, let the ball knock me out. Just put me out of my misery.” Unconsciousness would have been preferable to humiliation.
Several years ago, while on a church staff retreat, I had a similar experience. We were going to play a game requiring a partner. The guys were thrilled because the game allowed them to demonstrate their athletic prowess, but I did not share their excitement. A vision of the jumping dance was quickly followed by the assumption that no one would ask me to be on his team. When my friend Tanny asked me to be his partner, I was shocked and relieved. Surprisingly, I was his first choice.
Our team played round after round, and we found ourselves in the finals. My co-workers were especially cheering me on because I was the last girl standing. I more than anyone recognized the irony of the situation. Other people in the room should have played that final round. They were more athletic and skilled, but I was there because someone chose me. It made me think of the story of Jacob in the Bible.
Jacob is well known as a patriarch of Israel, but is not often recognized as the Old Testament poster child for the gospel, but that is his story. He wasn’t chosen because of his goodness or his godliness. In fact, scripture goes out of the way to show him as the most unlikely choice. He battles with his brother in the womb. At his birth, he came out grabbing his brother’s heel, which was a Hebrew saying for tricking someone. We see him repeatedly take matters into his own hands through deception and manipulation. Jacob was not chosen because he was good or godly. He was chosen because God was sovereign and gracious. Though undeserving, Jacob was a recipient of God’s transforming grace. And that’s our story as well.
Let me paint a scene of what it might have been like when God chose Jacob. Imagine being in the throne room of heaven. God stands to pick his team. Off to one side, we see Jacob hiding behind a tall guy named Goliath. God also sees Jacob. He sees his deceptive, controlling, and manipulative nature. We think to ourselves, “He will never be picked.” Then, to our surprise, God chooses Jacob. Shock and disbelief are replaced with amazement as Jacob goes forward. He was the most unlikely choice.
Now imagine that God stands again, but this time his eyes are focused on you. His penetrating gaze looks into your very soul. He sees everything you have ever done. He sees your sinfulness and everything that makes you the most unlikely choice. To your surprise, he lovingly looks into your eyes and says, “I choose you.” In God’s presence, aware of his holiness and your unworthiness, you rise and go forward. Like Jacob, you are chosen not because you are a good pick or even a good person. God chooses you based on his sovereignty and Christ’s righteousness so you can be a trophy of God’s grace.
Pamela Hall
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