It's your choice to respond to God's choosing

I

stumbled across an interesting online debate. People were picking sides over picking sides. The irony appeared lost on the participants as they weighed in on the pros and cons of a childhood scene I remember well.

There were two captains, a passel of ball players, and drama to spare and it was all over choosing teams for the hugely important recess game of dodge ball, kickball, or Red Rover. I was what Papa called a long-legged "strapping" girl. You don't hear that word a lot these days and I've never been particularly fond of it, but I'm pretty sure strapping means the opposite of puny, so I suppose the description fit. I was also athletic. I tell you that only to make the next point. I never personally suffered the embarrassment of being the last one chosen so I don't know exactly how it felt. However, I do remember feeling bad for those who did as they stood there twisting in the wind.

I would've expected the online debate to be clearly defined between those who weren't picked last and those who were. Not so. Surprisingly, many former bottom tier candidates were making light of those who found the practice cruel and who were working to see it outlawed on schoolyards everywhere. Among their other rebuttals, the former last picks contended that the whole thing was character building, and it didn't scar them for life. Que sera, sera, and all that.

I have my own thoughts on the subject, as I imagine you do. And yet, regardless of where we stand on the choosing teams issue, I see an analogy in the childhood practice that's worthy of great celebration for us all.

Do you remember how the first person chosen would partner with the Captain in choosing the rest of the team? I do, it was a special honor! If you'll allow me some story stacking liberty here, I believe it's also a beautiful picture of our Jesus, standing at the right hand of His Father.

The Bible calls Jesus the "elect" of God. He was chosen first. And then, together Father and Son chose their forever family. This is no inconsequential game of dodge ball. This is life and death, but thankfully, not a single soul ever has to know the pain of being on the outside looking in. Father and Son's next pick, their mutual choice, continues to go out to whomsoever will.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whomsoever believeth in Him would not perish but would have everlasting life.

Hugs, Shellie

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson is an author, speaker, and radio host. Visit her at allthingssouthern.com and hear her radio program ATS LIVE from 5-6 p.m. Monday on TALK540 AM.