Given

 July 10, 2021

When Jesus taught in parables, his disciples asked why he did this. His response? “It has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” —Matthew 13:11.

This too, is a mystery. Knowing God is a gift not given to all. The Gospel is hidden from many, and the reason is not given, any more than we are given he reason why we have been chosen.

Methodists don’t like the thought of double election, but what else is prevening grace if it isn’t God’s sovereign choosing of some for salvation, and by corollary, others not? We don’t know who is chosen, so we preach Christ indiscriminately so all will have heard.

I remember the day I chose to receive Christ, but I know that before that evening, God was drawing me, had chosen me. I was trying to escape, but he caught me anyhow. My salvation, and the life I have been given is just that—a gift. Jesus said it: “To you it has been given.” I don’t understand it, but tonight am deeply grateful for it.