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Pick Me! Pick Me! Pick Me! Decision A.D.
Leading up to these verses, we learn that the ministry is growing and people are starting to complain about things. So the “12″ realize that they need to focus on teaching the Word of God and asked the people to choose 7 among them who are “known to be full of the spirit and wisdom” to deal with this. So now we find out whom they chose. The keyword here is “Chose.”
I can’t help but think that when the people were given this proposal, that there were several people whom immediately jumped up and yelled “Pick me! Pick me!”, like Donkey on the Shrek DVD menu…or maybe Arnold Horshack “Ooo, Ooo Mr. Kotter, Mr. Kotter!!!” (Does anyone remember that?).
Doesn’t it always seem that the ones who “want” to be picked… and make it very well known…turn out to only be in it for themselves, they want the status… not what’s best for the greater good, and a lot of times don’t have the answers. And it always seems the “chosen” are the ones who fly below the radar, maintain an “I am 3rd” mentality, and don’t realize they actually have answers.
Then there is the difference between being “picking” and “choosing”. When you “pick” it seems so short term, temporary. You “pick” people for teams in a backyard football game. When the game ends, so do the teams. When you “choose” it seems well thought out, for the greater good, long term. You “choose” what is right. (i.e. Jesus, Lead Pastor, spouse, career, etc.)
Can you imagine if these people just “picked” the first “7″ in the front row? The ministry probably would have died the next day. Thank God they believed enough to “chose” the “chosen”! We find this out in verse 7, “So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.”
So I guess we need to ask ourselves…would I be “picked” or “chosen”? …Would I “pick” or “choose”? And how does that affect my Biblical World View and the greater good of the Kingdom?
Very cool Jessica. No more seat warming!
oops – obviously I haven’t woken up yet. Sorry Jon, I was responding to another one.
Happy New Year Jon! Of course I remember Horshack and the whole Mr. Kotter crew. Very cool contrast you pointed out b/w “picking” and “choosing”. That’s something I’m going to park on a bit more…and also a valuable filter to consider whenever making a decision – is this something of little consequence and therefore I can just “pick”…or is God asking me to consider things further to ensure hearing Him in what/whom I “choose”. Thanks my friend…and again, Happy New Year.
such a great insight for a bass player!. I’ve never thought about the “pick” or “choose” perspective. thanks for this, Jon. God is using you mightily. Keep after it.