Introduction
Have you ever been singled out among a group? You tried to dodge eye contact. You lowered your head as a hint that you didn’t want to be chosen. You knew it was coming. Your name was called. You asked yourself, “Why am I always chosen to participate in the “challenging” projects? There are thousands of others who can do just as good a job as me.” Though you think many others can do what you do, you have been singled out. You have been called.
Explanation
Read 2 Thessalonians 2:14, 15 – “He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” (NIV) We have all been called to be children of God not just so we can go to heaven. God wants us to share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ right now.
What does it mean to share in the glory of Christ?
1. Jesus was glorified in death for though He did not sin, He died for our sins. We must share in the death of Jesus. It is God’s desire that we surrender our all to His Holy Spirit by putting to death our selfish ways.
a. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will find it.” (Matthew 16:24,25, NIV)
2. Jesus was glorified in His resurrection. Jesus humbled Himself and was obedient to death on the cross. God raised Jesus from the dead and “exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name.” (Philippians 2:9, NIV) When we humble ourselves putting to death our selfish ways, God will exalt us just as He did Jesus.
a. The Word says, ‘Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6, NIV)
Application
Yes. We are singled out for a reason. We are called to share in the glory of Christ.
Yes. We get tired of being singled out all the time.
We have been called. “…stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you…”
Conclusion
Though we are singled out, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9, NIV) Accept your call. Do your best for to the glory of God.
