Called and Chosen

In the Bible, there is a story about Moses, about how the Lord chose him for a special mission for His people. Moses was called by God and chosen to fulfill the task assigned to him. Through this man, God gave the world His beautiful law, rules for a happy and righteous life, and those wise decrees that resolved many everyday and social issues in the best possible way. But Moses was not destined to enter the promised Canaan due to sin, and this mission was entrusted to Joshua, who embodied all of God's plans in the history of his people.

Have you ever wondered why Joshua, son of Nun, was specifically chosen by God? This was not a coincidence, and in this selection, there is a very important lesson for every Laodicean about the basis on which their election might occur. In Israel at the time of the exodus from Egypt, there were many faithful and sincere men who honored the invisible God and showed obedience, believing every word of His messenger. But the young Joshua showed a special interest in service and was always where God's work was being done.

Joshua's name is first mentioned when God sent warriors to destroy the Amalekites (Exodus 17:9-13). Joshua and his warriors accomplished this task with the support of Moses praying on the mountain.

When Moses was called to ascend the mountain, Joshua went with him and remained close to the place where the Lord spoke with Moses (Exodus 24:12-13). And when lawlessness occurred in the camp, Joshua did not understand what strange noise was heard in the valley (Exodus 32:17). When the issue with the apostates was resolved and the guilty were punished, we read in Exodus 33:11: "The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent."

Joshua was not just one of the people but was the one who desired to be where God was doing His work and revealing His glory. He saw Moses as God's anointed and tried to support him in everything.

When the people approached the Promised Land, and representatives from each tribe were called to scout their future possessions, Joshua, son of Nun, was among the scouts. Traveling 40 days through his future homeland, Joshua imagined with childlike faith how he and his people would soon possess the riches of this land according to God's promise. He and Caleb were so confident in God's power that they did not waver in their hope when other scouts discouraged the entire people and plunged the camp into despair (Numbers 14:6-9).

The people's unbelief caused God's disapproval, and Heaven passed a sentence of long wandering in the desert.

For the sins of the unbelievers, God's chosen servants also suffered, and they had nothing left but to be together with everyone for the next 40 years and wander through desert places, waiting for this period to end.

When Moses began to ask God whom to choose as leaders, the Lord named Joshua and blessed him through Moses' ordination (Numbers 27:15-23).

When Moses was commanded to ascend the mountain and die, Joshua became his successor. We read in Deuteronomy 34:9: "Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the Lord had commanded Moses."

This story teaches us that in God's work, there are no random people who suddenly become holy and famous. God calls everyone and offers Himself to all, especially those who bear His name. But it turns out that many are called, but few are chosen.

The interest that few show in God's work and everything related to it is taken into account by Heaven, and these people are marked and receive special blessings. They may not be recognized by society, they may be considered strange or fanatical, but they pay no attention to others' opinions and are genuinely and sincerely interested in everything that comes from God, always present where God's work is being done.

In His parable about the called and chosen, the Lord Jesus very clearly showed how Heaven sees both groups.

In addressing His people of the Laodicean period, the Faithful Witness calls all to repentance but promises His throne only to the chosen, whom He calls victors. It is worth noting the Lord's statement at the very end of Revelation 21:7: "Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children."

The message to Laodicea is unique in that, although it contains few words, it has much meaning that is gradually and consistently revealed to people who thirst, seek, and accept God's counsels.

It is impossible to become the owner of everything offered in one visit. The Heavenly Merchant desires to see in us constant buyers who know what is being offered and value what they purchase.

My interest in God's counsels and offers assigns me a special status, and my constancy in relationships with Christ gives Him the right to deeper relationship development and to choose me for places where those who think they can casually be saved or receive something by God's mercy in exchange for their ignorance cannot enter.

It is necessary to understand the important truth that if God has a special plan for the end of time, it is better to build and live according to this plan rather than seek other paths or invent something similar to the truth for the present time.

God very clearly and precisely makes us understand through the Spirit of Prophecy that the acceptance or rejection of the Faithful Witness's message will cause sifting among God's people and prepare faithful people for the solemn proclamation of the Third Angel's Message from Revelation 14:9-12.

Joshua tasted how good the Lord is and decided to deepen this knowledge as much as he would be allowed. The entire people witnessed the miracles and signs of deliverance from Egyptian slavery. The pillar of cloud and fire was also visible to all, but only Joshua thirsted for something more and was chosen by God for a special mission, which he successfully accomplished.

What prevented other Israelites from showing similar interest in holy things and reverently observing God's actions? Something similar might happen in our days when the Lord decides to honor with His Spirit those who thirst and pour His streams on the dried up.

It is not our place to know the times and seasons that the Father has placed in His power, but we can have a living interest in what is revealed to us and receive direct Divine blessings from it.

The time we spend in relationships and communion with Jesus, or at the Sanctuary of the Heavenly Sanctuary, will never be considered wasted, even though some earthly matters may arise. Understanding and accepting what is promised to the faithful, I see everything earthly through Heaven's eyes.

God will certainly honor those who honor Him. Not one who thirsts for the Holy Spirit will be left without reward. Not one constant buyer from the Faithful Witness will be forgotten or lost. Though such chosen people may be few, they are all marked by God to receive the promised.

We read in 2 Chronicles 20:20: "... Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be established; have faith in his prophets and you will succeed."

Reflection Questions for this Chapter

1. Please read the references provided in the lesson and also Matthew 22:2-14; 24:22-24; 25:10; Luke 14:23-24; 18:7-8; 1 Peter 2:9; Romans 8:28-34; Mark 13:26-27; Isaiah 65:9; Psalm 104:43; 105:4-5; Revelation 17:14 in light of this chapter.

2. What did you understand from this chapter?

3. What other Bible verses came to your mind?

4. Who are the called in our time?

5. Who are the chosen? What is the difference between the called and the chosen?

6. Why did Jesus teach that many are called, but few are chosen?

7. Was the example of Joshua's election a lesson for you? (Numbers 11:28)

8. In our time, how can one follow Joshua's example?

9. Can the Lord Himself choose people upon whom He desires to place a special mission? (Acts 9:15-16)

10. Are those chosen by God always immediately ready to fulfill their mission?

11. Can I choose myself for salvation? If yes, what is needed for this?

12. Will the chosen enter the number of 144,000?

13. Did Joshua know about his future election when he accompanied Moses in all his works?

14. Should I, while performing my service, think about whether I will be a person chosen by God or not?

15. Does Heaven pay attention to those who have a genuine interest in God's work?