“With the first pick…”

“With the first pick in the 2016 NFL draft, the Los Angeles Rams select Jarod Goff, quarterback California.” These words rolled off the lips of Roger Goodell, the Commissioner of the National Football League, as he announced the first, and each subsequent player selected by the professional football teams in the United States.

Pride swelled. Broad smiles abounded. Tears flowed.

Selected, in the first round.

A college football resume, fitness testing, character assessment, and team chemistry evaluations all provided the criteria from which the decisions were made. Then, each of the 31 NFL teams made their first selection in the draft.

Hand picked. Personally chosen.

But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted. ~ 1 Peter 2:9-10 (MSG)

As the cameras rolled, as the analysis continued, as the choices were made… I was drawn to the powerful words that the Holy Spirit squeezed through the pen of Peter. Chosen by God. Holy people. Set apart for the work of God.

Hand picked…

But our resume was empty. Our credentials non-existent… until God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, (Ephesians 2:4-6 ESV)

When God looks at our highlight video, He sees Jesus. As He assesses our qualifications, His eyes focus on the righteousness of Christ.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. (John 15:16)

God’s pick in the draft. His selection. Costly beyond measure.

And yes, before the draft choice was announced, God made a trade. Our sinfulness for the purity of His only begotten son.

And now, having been selected by God, bear fruit. Live into the calling. Standing firm on the merit of Jesus. Empowered by His Spirit. In humility. With courage.

God has made His choice. Humbling but true.

In the first round.

from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.