CHOSEN OF GOD

CHOSEN OF GOD

What caused Jesus to specifically call each of the disciples whom He chose to follow Him? Or, do you suppose the Lord just randomly spoke to each of them as He came upon them?

Why was each one WILLING to leave nets, tax rolls, etc. and immediately follow Him?

I have often wondered about this, and many other events which we read about. Did such things just "happen", or were they orchestrated by the Spirit of the Almighty?

I definitely lean toward the belief that the Lord is much more involved in the lives of His followers than we care to admit. The Spirit leads us in ways we do not recognize, many times. Often by circumstances beyond our control. Often by strong desires or inclinations.

One favorite example of God's direction in human lives is the account in 1 Kings 7 where the four leprous men were driven by desperation to hobble out toward the camp of the beseiging army in the twilight of the evening. These four men certainly did not make the noise which was heard by the Syrian soldiers.

Nor could the four lepers have caused the sudden, demoralizing fear that gripped the hearts of the warriors getting ready for supper. God can REALLY scare people when He wants to. Mile after mile was littered with clothes which the Syrians found to be too much of a hindrance to them in their flight from the armies they "heard". Four leprous men hobbling out through the twilight.

What caused the people to gather palm branches to wave, and to lay before Jesus as He rode into Jerusalem that day on the colt, the foal of an ass? Was it the result of a massive advertising campaign. Was He doing an "Elvis" on them? Why did the children run through the temple crying "Hosannah"? Who told them to do it? If our interpretation is correct, what caused suckling babies to pull away from the breast of their mothers and give glory to God?

How's come the young ass didn't buck and rear when Jesus got on his back? He had never had an experience like that before.

The Bible says that the "city was moved" (see Mat 21:10) when Jesus was making the triumphal entry? The word "moved" is also translated "earthquakes" in diverse places in Mat 24:7.

Without doubt, God's Spirit was active in these, and other events which are recorded for our encouragement and learning.

This brings up the question-- "What has God done in your life?" How many times has He been leading you, when you wist it not?

Be encouraged in the Lord.