Chosen to Serve
“Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations.” Isaiah 42:1 NASB
Chosen one – Why does God choose? Why did He choose Israel, David, Jonah or Yeshua? Why did He choose you? The answer is bāḥar. The verb means, “to choose, to elect, to decide for,” but in almost every instance it includes the connotation that the choice is not arbitrary. It is choosing for the purpose of serving. “the word is used to express that choosing which has ultimate and eternal significance. . . serviceability rather than simple arbitrariness is at the heart of the choosing. Thus Yahweh chose Israel to be holy and thereby to serve as his witness among the nations (Deut 14:6). But her election is not based on her own greatness but on the greatness of the Lord’s love (Deut 7:7f.). The choice of Israel is confirmed by the exile and restoration, for in a new way Israel now bears witness of the Lord to the nations (Isa 41:8f.; 43:10; 48:10). The scriptural doctrine of divine capacity for choice demonstrates that purpose and personality, not blind mechanism, are at the heart of the universe. Since God carefully chooses certain ones for a specific task, he can also reject them if they deviate from that purpose (I Sam 2:27ff.).”[1]
Perhaps we need to rethink our ideas of election, salvation, deliverance, predestination and sovereignty. Perhaps we need to re-read John 9 and pay closer attention to the Messiah’s claim that the blind man’s condition was for a purpose, not a consequence. Perhaps you are chosen because God has a purpose in mind. It appears that YHVH’s choice is always based on His purposes and the roles that each of us play are determined by us choosing to fulfill that purpose. Yeshua called Israel back to the purpose YHVH revealed in His selection of the people; revealed in His declaration at Sinai. They were to become a city on a hill, a light on a lampstand, a holy nation that would attract the attention of the world. They were to fulfill that purpose by living Torah, not by recruitment, evangelism or information propagation. YHVH is the enabler. Israel, and you and I, are the transporters. The Messiah plays a role, a very important, absolutely unique role, but he plays that role because YHVH enables him to do so. And the same Spirit that enables the Messiah is now poured out on all flesh, enabling us to play the roles chosen for us.
bāḥar is at the heart of the Kingdom. It is the word of divine sovereignty made evident in the lives of the citizens. It is your word and my word. Today is the day of His choosing you. Live accordingly.
Topical Index: bāḥar, to choose, elect, Messiah, Isaiah 42:1
[1] Oswalt, J. N. (1999). 231 בָּחַר. In R. L. Harris, G. L. Archer, Jr. & B. K. Waltke (Eds.), Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (R. L. Harris, G. L. Archer, Jr. & B. K. Waltke, Ed.) (electronic ed.) (100). Chicago: Moody Press.
My purpose is how I fit in the web of reality. Choosing is how I get there; how I cooperate and agree. I wonder if when the verse talks about being predestined it is talking about that view of the entire web, and my place in it. I wonder if my PURPOSE – how I fit – is what was determined from the foundation, which would leave how I choose to agree (or not) to determine whether or not I end up actually fitting.
This dance is weird. We say “man proposes; God disposes” and it is true that I cannot move except by His power and agreement, too, but this looks more like He proposes, and my CHOICE determines whether or not I end up in that place. The way we read that verse, then, would be exactly backwards from what it is really could be saying. Well, all I can say is, it wouldn’t be the first time that ever happened!
Might we then say, “Our Purpose Driven Life?”
Yes, and may we now live accordingly..
Let us then “be imitators of God, as [His] beloved children; and [learn to] walk in love, just as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.…
Indeed, we’ve been chosen to be about our Father’s business.
Paul agrees with you, Skip, as to how we are to go about this.
In 1 Thes 4 he notes we are to lead a quiet life and that our daily
living will win the respect of others. We are to work hard, not depending
on anything other than the enabling that the Spirit pours out on us.
I love this TW.
In deed. “Christians” must be Yeshua’s followers; chosen to serve and live accordingly. Or else, the saying, “Once you are saved, you’re always saved” may not apply, if you are not live according to His WORD, is it true, Skip? Meaning once one claimed a Christ’s born-again believer and then make one’s choice to change his faith. Thanks for your great teaching.
This sounds wrong – something like the sales cliche ‘fake it till you make it…’
Called or not called…
If YHVH calls we will be clothed with the Son, when the Son is revealed we have salvation. That I understand and accept as implying with God’s intent or purpose. Claiming I have it and saying here is the Son is what the new testament warns us against – false prophets do not follow.
For this reason we may well have many fathers/teachers but only one true Master Yeshua self. Not in a person but in how He transforms our inner being, strengthening and focusing us on a Godly purpose…
Becoming Sons and Daughters of YHVH is being led by His spirit which is as Skip said last month “Tough Love” not a ministry are a doctrinal way of living. But that out of control way of living…
Anyone experienced it? I haven’t…
Am I the only one still preparing and hoping to achieve it in this life. While, as Rich referenced, doing good and being friendly to all as our deeds reflect what we believe in, our thoughts are what we desire…
1 John 2 the world we have to overcome Gal 6 the world we need to be crucified for… I read that the scripture reveals that we cannot dictate or suggest to YHVH He knows what is right and applicable; we need to be patient as Job while glorifying as David did, when possible judge in wisdom as Saul and what will happen will happen according to His divine purpose.
For me this peace in our mindset is not faith but salvation. Faith is the gift of God, either He gives it or he doesn’t we cannot create but we can continue believing and trusting in its existence and probability.
You’re right, Seeker, faith is a gift; but, like all the other listed gifts of the Spirit, it can and should be asked for. What we humble ourselves to ask for, we have created the room to receive. We have not because we ask not; neither are we very much thankful (well, at least, that’s me – a lot of the time!). Trust is not a thing to be found in the flesh, and I have found that it is just a waste of energy to require the yetzer hara to generate it. Trust is a supernatural condition that is sheer grace in this world, but as such, it should never be underestimated or taken for granted. The gifts of grace are never grants.
Thank you both, Seeker and Laurita. He who trusts in the Lord must workout his salvation with fear and trembling. Shalom.
You are Mighty Lord! I will be speaking at a women’s brunch May 7th and I have been concerned about it. Now I get the message Lord! You walk before me! As I walk humbly in Your Name everything is possible! Everlasting Love, that is what You Are. Thank You Lord!
Laurita – Asking as in praying for?
I do not read this in the biblical records… All called received faith as preparation for the task to be done.
James referenced to not receiving is because we pray in our lusts/understanding and that we should pray for wisdom, Yeshua promised what we ask for in His name – I understand to imply following in His teachings – will be given.
The reminder nobody comes to the Son least called by the Father, this cycle implies that faith ‘in’ Yeshua cannot be prayed for, this also implies that the different gifts (manifestation of Christ/Spirit) that are given as needed for a service can neither be prayed for. We can humble and submit, for that is the requirement learn this from Yeshua: Be meek and humble. Paul said practice what we know and he will show us an even better way.
What I understand from this is that basic good human attributes must be revealed for in this we permit ourselves from being set apart, following this is then the laws, commandments and judgement for they are our wisdom in the eyes of non believers. After this Yeshua manifests… Well yes it would be fantastic if I could pray and receive, do and manifest, share and prosper… But then I would be dictating to YHVH and He is not their to serve us but us to serve His purpose…
Just my humble view.
I do think you have a valid point, Seeker. We are recipients, not dictators, after all. And we also don’t get just because we ask, either. But, still, what does “covet earnestly” mean in practice? I had to pray for faith and trust a lot in places where I was accustomed to ‘winging it’. The other half of praying for repentance for a lack of faith and trust IS the request that it be restored, is it not? Repentance is the trading post for most all heavenly things for me, anyway.
The way I understand it, gifts get given when we choose to be in (or find ourselves in) the places where they are needed. And no, I do not think the gift of ‘prophecy’ is necessarily needed in the middle of a charismatic church floor surrounded by others who are all clamoring for the same thing. My question is, “Why?”
YHVH does not duplicate He supplements. Our prayers and supplications reveal our Godly needs. Our prayers and conscious thoughts reveal desires. I believe it is the needs that YHVH provides in and not our desires.
Everyone’s change, the same as Dvorah’ birth offering or dedication, are for me all orchestrated by the Holy Spirit for a purpose (As Carl said).
I found over the years that I wasn’t happy with YHVH choice for me it seemed to ordinary and plain not as the hidden message that the church gives to be bigger than life and a stand out all glittery and bright. Never good enough. It seemed that Identity crisis was more the real problem not fitting in the church and not fitting in the world, just always trying to fit, the way that I thought I should. His will and purposes are not of our making and they are of His choosing period. He is creator and we are not. To truly let Him lead doesn’t fit well with our human nature at all and we have to learn to let Him do whatever He desires in us in His own good timing trusting Him to finish the work. We have been programed to be in control when in reality we never are. To become “somebody” when we already are. Doing what you can with what you’ve got where you are is a key to being able to function without kicking against the picks. Learning to be patient with ourselves and trust Him to LEAD our lives in the right direction even when it looks out of control with all the old labels and we don’t like looking and being out of control. We want to be safe and have everything in four walls contained and manageable not VULNERABLE. We don’t like using FAITH as humans we want to know where we are going and have a say so. Mold me and make me? easier said than done my friends. Yielding to His hands and trusting as we walk this life out is not for the faint hearted that demands security and site all the time.
bāḥar ….” is the word of divine sovereignty made evident in the lives of the citizens. It is your word and my word.” A testimony of our lives within His Kingdom – how we speak, think/feel, live and act will reveal if we are Chosen to serve Him for His purposes, just as Meshiach was chosen to serve YHWH’s purposes.
HE upholds, anoints these Chosen ones, who are a delight to Him, enabling them “to play the roles chosen” for them-just as Meshiach was anointed and lifted up for fulfilling his role.
“An action performed by a device, department, or person that produces a result – Function- remains more or less fixed whereas the Purpose (which indicates intention or objective) generally changes. For example, the function of a hammer is to strike something nearby whereas its purpose (what to strike and why) could be anything the hammer-wielder has in mind.” – definition/function/purpose.
Thus our goal is to function in our role in The Kingdom, and not deviate from it, is to be chosen!
Hey mate,
“Thus Yahweh chose Israel to be holy and thereby to serve as his witness among the nations (Deut 14:6)”.
Can you help me to find the connection between Deut 14:6 and that statement? Perhaps the scripture reference is incorrect?