Singled out.
19 “I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. Then I will do for Abraham all that I have promised.” Genesis 18:19 NLT.
The Lord singles out Abraham to direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the Lord.
In Nehemiah, some were not singled out, their names not found.
64 They searched for their names in the genealogical records, but they were not found, so they were disqualified from serving as priests. Nehemiah 7:64.
Paul was singled out too. God used him in the everyday … Paul was just doing life as usual, going to the synagogue–as was his custom.
2 As was Paul’s custom, he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he used the Scriptures to reason with the people. 3 He explained the prophecies and proved that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead. He said, “This Jesus I’m telling you about is the Messiah.” Acts 17:2-3
And while it seems business-as-usual, it wasn’t. He was threatened, pursued, and on the run. He went from place to place with his message.
To Berea.
10 That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea. When they arrived there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. Acts 17:10
And Athens.
17 He went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and he spoke daily in the public square to all who happened to be there. Acts 17:17
I didn’t grow up in a Christian home. I used to feel a bit short-changed by that. Now I see things a little differently. Nothing is impossible with God–it’s mentioned a couple of times in today’s reading. I see his grace poured out all over my life–singling me out too in a variety of ways, some rather ironic. Actually, most of them. He’s got a deep humor–and a great love.
Dear God, I know who it was I could have been without you–and who I am because of you. You make all things new. Thank you for singling me out, for tasks I never dreamed possible–but made possible through you. Help me to navigate the everyday, to follow and serve you.
Courtney (66books365)
Sixty-six books in a year 