Daily Devotional for Friday, May 17

The Lord’s Chosen Disciples

“But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 14.

Noted historian Thomas C. Reeves, who for many years was a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, wrote: “Christianity in modern America is, in large part, innocuous. It tends to be easy, upbeat, convenient and compatible. It does not require self-sacrifice, discipline, humility, an otherworldly outlook, a zeal for souls, a fear as well as love of God.”

God did not save us solely so that we could go to Heaven. He calls and commands us to have an impact here on earth as well. When we trade the shame of the cross of Christ for the applause and acceptance of men, we have forfeited the power to shake the world. How much greater it is to be despised and even persecuted than to live a life without making a difference for God: “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27).

It is a tragic scene for any Christian to simply claim a rescue from hell and yet go on living a casual life which blends well into this world. We have been chosen by God to carry the glory of His name into a lost world. We have been sanctified by God to represent His kingdom of light while we dwell in this kingdom of darkness. May we rise to the occasion and live a life worthy of our calling.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY
May we, like those early disciples, give ourselves to live lives of sanctification and sacrifice for the cause of Christ.

Steven Ridings