Chosen in Love
Scripture Reading — Deuteronomy 7:7-11
The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples.
—Deuteronomy 7:7
Throughout the Old Testament, God had to remind Israel that he didn’t choose them because they were great or strong. In fact, they were the very least among the world’s peoples. They were chosen simply because of God’s love.
Our world is bent on accomplishment, obtaining, and possessing. Pausing regularly from our work helps to remind us that our worth is not found in our productivity. Keeping Sabbath teaches us that our ultimate worth is not found in what we can amass or accomplish in life.
Christians don’t belong to Jesus because they outperformed others or because they got an “A” in discipleship. If you’re a believer, you know you belong to Jesus because God loves you so much that he sent his Son, Jesus, to die for you, paying the price of your sin. You don’t belong to Jesus because he loves what you have accomplished or achieved; you belong to him because of God’s loving grace.
There is no greater reminder of this remarkable truth than receiving God’s invitation to Sabbath rest. God invites us to pause from work because we too easily begin to equate our worth with what we’ve done. We can afford to pause because we no longer have to prove ourselves. We’re loved!
Dear God, thank you that we don’t need to earn our way into your kingdom. You welcome us simply on account of Jesus’ death and resurrection for our sake. Thank you that he has completed all the work necessary! Amen.
About the author — Shawn Brix
Rev. Shawn Brix has served as pastor in several Ontario churches. He and his wife, Jenny, have three children.
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