The Saturday Journal: Chosen to Do...

Back in the day in the early years of elementary school--it wasn't uncommon for our teachers to end the school day with cleaning and us kids--we were chosen to do the daily tasks--

Johnny...erase the chalkboard and go outside and dust the erasers. Don't take too long. Go out in the grass. I'll be watching you through this window!

Bernice and Abby...sweep the classroom floor--that means sweeping under every desk too.

Rick and Charlie....take the trash out to the incinerator and for goodness sakes, hold on to the trashcans this time!

Sue and Elizabeth...make sure the books are neatly lined up on the shelves--titles facing toward the front.

And as mundane as these jobs were--some more pleasant than others--we were still excited about being chosen. Always raising our hands high--pick me today--please, pick me!

The pink clouds are strolling by my window swiftly--their backdrop of gray skies. The trees sway and the chimes on the front porch are singing the chorus. A bird hits the kitchen screen. He is fine--he lives up to his name--a brown thrasher. He choses to be alone--perched with his seeds on the window ledge away from the other birds at the crowded feeder. I don't blame him for wanting the quiet.

I open my Bible to the book of first Chronicles--my thumb and finger randomly opening the Word. But there is never any randomness in God's plan. King David had his heart set on building the new temple for the Lord. God said no, you have been a man of war--of blood shed. God chose Solomon, one of David's sons. And without a doubt David was most likely disappointed, but also proud in a fatherly way--his bloodline--his son Solomon--the chosen one to build the temple.

David knows this story well.

God blessed David with many sons just like He did his own father, Jesse.

God chose David.

And God chose Solomon.

We are all chosen to do something.

David's words of advice were firm to his son, And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind (1 Chronicles 28:9). Take heed now; for the Lord hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong and do it. (verse 10)

And further on in the chapter, And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of a good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed; for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of God. (verse 20)

Familiar words we've read and heard before. Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed (Joshua 1:9)--words spoken to Joshua when God chose him to lead the children of Israel forward into the Promised Land after Moses' death.

We are all chosen to do something.

The skies now are the most beautiful of blues--the pink and gray clouds have turned the color of snow and the sun shines bright here on the first day of another year--the blessing of another day--another Wednesday.

And really there's no need in raising our hands high for God to see us--He sees us. Regardless. But maybe, just maybe we need to go back to those early school days--here in the Lord's year of 2025 and raise our hands high--not to be seen--but willing--willing to be chosen.

Here am I Lord; send me. (Isaiah 6:8)

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Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,

according to the power that worketh in us.

Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

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All photos @copyright Tathel Miller, unless otherwise credited to another photographer

We spend our years as a tale that is told.

Psalm 90:9