Called, claimed, and commissioned

I’ve never been much of an athlete. Some things just aren’t meant to be, right? But honestly, there’s some old pain there. I used to be picked last when teams were formed at school. Unless—on rare occasions—one of my best friends got to choose. Then, suddenly, I was first. Being chosen like that… It meant everything.

In the big team selection of life, it’s always Jesus who gets to choose. And guess what? He’s your best friend. So He chooses you—first, not last. Every time. Simon Peter might have struggled with that at first. Maybe he wondered, “Why me? Why would Jesus want me? I mess up so much. I’m not worthy.” And yet, Jesus never changed His mind.

Over time, Simon Peter came to understand that he wasn’t chosen by accident. In his letter, he writes with boldness: You are a chosen people. Not pitied into grace, but handpicked with purpose. When my friend chose me for his team, it wasn’t because I was the best player—probably more out of kindness. But Jesus sees who we can become with Him.

He saw the potential in Simon Peter—not just as a passionate man, but as a steady leader. Someone who could learn to channel his emotions, speak with calm authority, and point others to Jesus. Jesus doesn’t choose us for who we were, but for who we’re becoming in His love. We are not second-rate disciples. We are The Chosen.

Simon Peter writes that we’re chosen for a purpose: to declare the praises of the One who called us out of darkness. Hebrews reminds us to run the race set before us—not alone, but with eyes fixed on Jesus. We run in the company of saints, including Simon Peter himself, and a great cloud of witnesses cheering us on.

So remember: you were never the last pick. You’ve always been known, loved, and chosen. This race you’re in—it’s yours, uniquely. And the One who chose you is running alongside you. Keep your eyes on Him. He called, claimed, and commissioned you. You are, truly… The Chosen.

P.S. Are you enjoying this journey with Simon Peter? Your own character might even resemble his. Care to find out? Take our The Chosen 'Test of Character' and journey for a while with the character you have the most in common with.