Transformed – teen devotion – January 8, 2023
One truth shared: Jesus Christ is God’s real Chosen One.
Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached—how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
Acts 10:34-38
The Real Chosen One
What do Harry Potter, Frodo (Lord of the Rings) and Luke Skywalker have in common?
They all are “chosen ones”—a hero who rises up to defeat an evil enemy and stop an impending disaster. Harry conquers Lord Voldemort. Frodo destroys the Ring. Luke Skywalker defeats Darth Vader.
Story lines that involve “chosen ones” are some of the most popular of all time. That’s because we have a keen sense that there is evil in the world and we’re in need of being rescued. And only the one who is chosen is up to the task.
But none of these “chosen ones” in the books and movies are real. They only point to our realization that we need a real Chosen One. Not some made up character. We need one with flesh on.
This is what makes Jesus Christ from Nazareth different, not only from made up characters, but also from any other religious figure. Peter points out Jesus is God’s Anointed or Chosen One. God was with him and the miracles and healings he performed proved it.
Yet, the biggest difference between Jesus and other self-proclaimed “chosen ones” is what he was chosen to do. He was chosen to suffer. He was chosen to take our place on a cross. He was chosen to die.
Only that path was the path that could truly defeat our evil enemies of sin, death, and the devil.
And Peter says something else that’s equally amazing. He calls you God’s chosen one, too! Peter says God doesn’t play favorites. He doesn’t choose you based on your upbringing, family, talents, race, gender, or even your good deeds.
God chooses you because he loves you. He chose you to be part of his family through faith in Jesus Christ—the real Chosen One.
Since you are chosen and accepted by God, you don’t have to live for the acceptance and approval of others. You don’t have to spend an exhausting amount of time and resources trying to prove that you’re a “somebody.” You know God already made you somebody—his dearly loved child bought with the blood of Jesus Christ!
You’re free to spend your time and resources to follow God. You’re free to love others.
It’s a great way to live!
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for giving us the real Chosen One that we needed. Through Jesus we have peace with you. Thank you for also choosing us to be part of your family. Let your acceptance of us sink deep into our souls, causing us to live a free life—one that’s unchained from trying to prove ourselves to other people. We are already yours through the peace that Jesus won for us! Amen.
