Xanthe Galanis

Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. Matthew 12:18

In today’s verse, it’s clear that Jesus was living out a specific mission on earth – he was God’s chosen servant. It's a remarkable thing to be chosen by God. God's choosing is not like our choosing. We are given options. God is not given options; he makes options. He did not ask Jewish candidates to apply for the position of Messiah and choose Mary's son. He had begotten from all eternity the only One who could bring hope to a lost world. Christ came into the world as the eternally chosen one. Powerfully at his baptism and again at his transfiguration, Jesus is declared by God to be his Son, whom he loves. Once again we are reminded that Jesus is chosen by God to be his servant whom he loves and who brings him pleasure.

It’s also clear the Jesus came to earth to do the Father's will. In addition, his ministry is carried out by the power of the Holy Spirit and its purpose is to share God's love, mercy and justice. In much the same way, we are called, chosen, and empowered by God through his Holy Spirit. He lives in us and our goal is to bring God pleasure and to do his will. We are not chosen for our own benefit or to fulfill our own selfish ambitions, we are chosen to serve God. Today and every day, make it your life’s goal to live by the power of his Spirit and make it your aim to please God and share his grace with others.

Prayer: Father, please help me to find your will for my life so that I may serve you with undiluted devotion. Please forgive me when I get caught up in things that are not healthy for me spiritually and not helpful for my brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen.