Pick me… Pick me!
I remember back when I was a kid in gym class and didn't want to be the last kid chosen for a team. I don't like to brag, but I wasn't that kid. I was a decent athlete, and even in a game like dodgeball, I was always a solid pick.
Of course, I may have been that last pick if there had been a robotics team back then in the 1960s.
We can all breathe a sigh of relief. God does not operate that way. He seems to like the odd ducks, misfits, and unlikely picks to be on his team, even leading his team.
Need proof? Below are just a few of God’s picks for his team.
"If you build it, they will come." These are the paraphrased words of God from the book of Genesis as 600-year-old Noah is chosen to craft an Ark with his 100-year-old sons. And.. not just any Ark, a 'Desert Ark.. '
Note: 600-year-old men are not usually at the top of any pick-me-first list.
As a spry 75-year-old, God instructed Abraham to "pack up the Winnebago (figuratively speaking) and hit the road. I will make you a mighty nation," added the Lord.
Note: Mighty Nation? Abe and Mrs. Abe were past the age of having kids, so he did not know how this would happen unless God was talking about some 'Mighty Nation' game for his smartphone.
Moses, prince of Egypt, exiled for MURDER, working in a land far away as an overqualified shepherd when God speaks to him from a burning bush.
"Moses, you are going to free the children of Israel. Ok, I will do most of the freeing, but I will keep you busy."
Note: Moses was an unusual pick on the run for murder, smelling like sheep, returning to the scene of the crime (Egypt) to free the captive people of Israel.
Speaking of sheep, God chose a shepherd boy named David to 1. slay Goliath and 2. become the first great KING of Israel!
Note: Another unusual pick, and an uncommon path to becoming the slayer of David and King of Israel, but David was a man after God’s own heart.
Then, the New Testament , where Jesus picks disciples with resumes referencing 'fishing' and 'tax collecting'. No seminary students, or even a youth pastor or worship leader among them. Not even experience as the side ushers at the Temple.
So, without checking their LinkedIn profiles, Jesus said, "Follow me."
And remember Jesus' words to the thief on the cross... "This very day, you will be with me in paradise." This thief was ‘picked’ for Heaven shortly before he died.
Note: Being a thief is NOT what we 'good Christians' would choose. At the very least, we might require a probationary period or be set up, followed by an apprenticeship program, yet Jesus picked the thief for his team. That is how big God's Grace is.
Next, God chooses the very first 'Missionary' to share the Gospel with the world! "With the first pick, in the first round of the first Gospel Missionary Draft, while walking the road to Damascus, I choose Saul of Tarsus." These are the paraphrased words of Jesus spoke to Saul. His actual words were, "Saul, why do you persecute me?" which included a blinding light, but I like my paraphrase.
Note: What? This same Saul was a Pharisee of Pharisees, who checked coats at the stoning of Stephen. The very same Saul who was breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, Acts 9:1
Serious Red Flag- I believe choosing a guy breathing threats and murder against the disciples was a RISKY choice, but that's just me.
Now, fast-forward a couple of thousand-ish years to 2025.
I have not encountered a burning bush while walking my dog or a blinding light on my way to the Grocery store, unless I was driving into the sun, but God ‘picked’ me.
Not that it makes sense based on my relative and limited qualifications of cartooning (aka coloring between the lines), but in fact, we are all ‘picked’ not only for eternity in Heaven but also to serve in big and small ways now.
So do not keep God in a box or a lid on what is possible regarding the blessings and opportunities to serve.
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8
Just like Isaiah, listen for God's leading in big and small ways, and when God calls on you... Reply, "Here am I, Pick me! Pick me!"
May God bless your ‘pea-picking’ heart, and use you in ways BEYOND YOUR DREAMS and all that God intends.
Jeff (Picked by God.. go figure) Larson
