From Your Seminarian: How We Are “Chosen for More”
Zion’s own Charles “Chuck” Wallace — Seminarian at Concordia University
These thoughts are derived from a sermon I preached on Acts 9:1-25 titled "Chosen for More."
If you're anything like me – and by "like me," I mean human – then you've probably found yourself wondering: How is God using me? What do I have to offer my community? How can I better love my neighbor? They are hard questions to answer, yet they are very common. Our human nature leads us to constantly doubt the purpose we have in God's Kingdom.
In Acts 9, we read about a man named Saul, who was actively persecuting and killing Christians. Saul believed he was doing the right thing, but Jesus intervened, confronting him and calling him to follow Him. Struck blind, Saul had no choice but to obey the instructions Jesus gave him. In that moment of confusion, he must have been asking himself, What is the purpose of this?
The story continues with Saul traveling to Damascus, where he meets Ananias, regains his sight, and is baptized. After this transformation, Saul begins preaching that Jesus is the Son of God. The very man who once persecuted Christians is now baptized into the faith and proclaiming the Gospel to those he once sought to destroy.
Saul became Paul. A persecutor became a preacher. One apart from God was called to be with God. Though the world may not have counted Saul as an option to be a church leader – God has chosen him for more.
You, too, are chosen for more. Through the waters of your baptism, God has established you as His child, calling you to embody your faith by loving your neighbor. Whatever form your vocation may take, know that you have been chosen for greater purposes. That is, you have been chosen for God's mission.
Next Up: Vicarage!
On April 30th, I will receive my vicarage placement! Although this is a time of uncertainty for Katrina and me, as we do not yet know where we will be, we are nonetheless excited to see where God will place us to serve His Kingdom. Be on the lookout for my next newsletter in early May, where I will share our placement and the journey ahead!
