Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.
(Psalms 65:4) KJV
Sometimes we just need to gather up our thoughts. We can ponder things in such a way that we see a theme, and then we develop the theme by picking through some scripture. The word chosen occurs in a couple of Jesus’ parables.
One of them is the parable of the vineyard workers in Matthew 20:1-16.
So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.
(Matthew 20:1-16) NKJV
It also occurs in the parable of the banquet in Matthew 22:1-14.
For many are called, but few are chosen.
(Matthew 22:1-14) NKJV
In both of these passages the Greek word translated as chosen is ἐκλεκτοί – eklektos.
Chosen: ἐκλεκτοί – eklektoi
- select, by implication favorite
- chosen out, elect, choice, select, sometimes as subst: of those chosen out by God for the rendering of special service to Him (of the Hebrew race, particular Hebrews, the Messiah, and the Christians).
The chosen are the elect. This brings us to a couple of beautiful passages of hope and assurance:
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. ( Romans 8:28-33 )
(Romans 8:28-33) KJV
We’ve been chosen and he caused us to approach him.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
(Hebrews 4:16) KJV
We’ve been alone for a considerable portion of our adult life. Adapting to solitude has been the most difficult but rewarding things that we’ve ever done. It embodies the scriptural principle of being complete, lacking nothing. If, for instance, we don’t have any friends and companions, then, logically, we don’t need any. Therefore we can learn to be content that we have everything that we need.
Driving for Uber is a taxing form of solitude because it’s interrupted at regular intervals by the need to be somewhat extroverted. One of the things that we always did when we got ready to go out on the roads was read Psalms 4. It’s very reassuring.
But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
(Psalms 4:3) KJV
The Naked Prophet 