EVEN IF IT IS A FEW THAT IS CHOSEN

EVEN IF IT IS A FEW THAT IS CHOSEN

Luke 4:26-27


Jesus used this expression, "many are called, but few are chosen" in Matthew 22:24, to explain the reality that not all that are called are chosen. It was probably proverbial. This statement is a reality when we consider how many people desire to be in a particular position and how many are chosen. This applies to when believers are seeking for a job, admission, election, marriage, blessing, and even those who go to heaven.


In Luke 17:34-35, Jesus put it this way, "I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed: One will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together: One will be taken and the other left.”…


In the parable in Matthew 22:1-24, Jesus tells the story of a king who held a wedding feast for his son. He sends out many wedding invitations, but on the big day, not a single guest showed up. When the king sent out his servants to find out what was going on with the invited guests, it turned out they were just not willing to go. They were more concerned with doing their own thing, and even treated the invitation with outright contempt. The king was furious when he heard the report from his servants. He sent them out again, this time telling them to invite anyone they saw on the streets to the wedding. Then the wedding was full of guests. And when one man showed up at the wedding without proper wedding clothes on, he was cast out. This was a day of especially significant celebration, and it was only fitting to be dressed appropriately (Matthew 22:1-14). Then, at the end of the story, Jesus says: “for many are called, but few are chosen.”


The word “calling” is used several times throughout the Bible, in different contexts. In this instance, Jesus is using the word “called” as an invitation. This parable is an analogy of what we have been invited to.


Why are few chosen? The first reason why few are chosen is because, those called are always more than the number wanted. Not everyone is qualified and not everyone is willing to pay the price. There is need for competition, we need to struggle to be among those to be chosen:


▪ Luke 13:23:24 says, Then Jesus traveled throughout the towns and villages, teaching as He made His way toward Jerusalem. “Lord,” someone asked Him, “will only a few people be saved?” Jesus answered, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.


▪ Luke 4:26-27 says, "Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to the widow of Zarephath in Sidon. And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet. Yet not one of them was cleansed— only Naaman the Syrian.”


In 1 Samuel 16:7, Jesus taught the prophet Samuel that God looks at the heart when choosing people. Apart from the fact that we need to make some efforts as Naaman did in 2 Kings 5:1-19; we must be willing to make sacrifice like the woman in Zarephath did in 1 Kings 17:7-16.


My prayer is that if God is to bless only one person, it should be you. May God bless us in Jesus Name...

BY REV. FR. EDMUND TANSI EMAKPOR,