Nothings And Nobodies

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.   

I Corinthians 1:26-29  

It is always good to know who and what we are. We are naturally inclined to fail to perceive ourselves accurately. We often think better of ourselves when we should not, and deceive ourselves rather than face inconvenient truths. In the matter of election, predestination, and redemption we should face reality. Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, faced them with the truth about who God chooses and calls to Himself. He says that not many wise, mighty, or noble are called. He makes the point clearer by saying that God has chosen the foolish things, the weak thing, the base things, the things which are despise, and the things which are not. This is an unimpressive pedigree. This is all the average person desires not to be. Why has God chosen these kind of people as the heirs of grace? The answer lies in verse 29, ‘that no flesh should glory in His presence.’ Salvation is, from start to finish, the work of God. The Father, Son and Holy Ghost planned it. Christ lived and died to purchase it. The Holy Spirit applies it unto all for whom God intends it. All the ransomed are saved by it. These nothings and nobodies are the heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. These who have nothing of which to boast, and who are nobodies in the eyes of all, are made kings and priests by redemption.   

Our Holy and Wise God, 
we rejoice at Your plan of redemption. 
We praise You, that in Your mercy, 
You have chosen those who have nothing to offer. 

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning