King

I have been reading in Romans 9 that God chooses us, we do not choose Him. This has been heavy stuff for me, especially in the past. If I do not choose God and He chooses me, then what about all of those people who are going to hell? What does that mean about the kind of God I serve?
God has shed new light on this subject. In verse 16 of this chapter Paul says, "So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy." God has mercy on me? God has mercy on you? Wow, think about that...
Picture a king (you know, back in medieval times) who is all-powerful, who has reign over all the land and all the people. His servant comes before him with their head bowed, on one knee, with nervous anticipation, waiting to see whether or not the king will spare his life. The servant knows that he has done something worthy of death. The servant waits on their knee, in nervous silence, sweat dripping from their brow. The king, who has the power to send his servant to dungeon of death, gently speaks to his servant and says, "Do not be afraid. I have chosen you out of all the land to serve me. I have everything you need waiting outside the castle gates. Now go. There is work to be done in the land. The people need to know their king loves them. Tell them about me."
God is our King. He is all-powerful. He is the master of the universe.
If you are honest, and if I am honest, do you ever think more of yourself than you do of the Lord? I am guilty on a regular basis of not putting God in His rightful place in my heart. Why is it that we forget that we are His servants. Our lives are not our own! Are we afraid of God? Or do we not know Him? What is it?
If we study His word we learn that our God is full of grace, mercy, and endless love. At the same time, He is the Ruler, the King, our Shield, and Protector. He created me and He created you. Because of Him I have life, breath, existence. According to His word I have purpose and He has a good plan for my life. This life is not about me. This life is about Him and what He wants to do with me.
I am challenged today to remember and to learn more about God. Who does He say He is? I am challenged to break forth in joyous praise and say, "Thank you, my King, for choosing me! Thank you for Your mercy on me!"