THE SPECIAL GROUP
Memorise: I am crucified with
Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life
which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved
me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
While we were in sin, the Lord sent His word to gather
us in and then He cleansed us. By these we became saved children of God. Now we
have the right or privilege to become the sons of God (John 1:12). After the
gathering and the cleansing comes the third stage of selection. At this stage,
God selects some people who would be special to Him. Matthew 22:14 says,
“For many are called, but few
are chosen.”
Not everyone who is born-again becomes God’s
favourite. His favourites are the chosen few. In African tradition and in some
other cultures in times past, the king may have as many wives as he wants. King
Solomon had 300 wives and 700 concubines, yet he would have had one who was
most special to him out of them all. During the days of King Ahasuerus, Esther
was most preferred above all the fair virgins that were paraded before him
(Esther 2:17). This select group love God better, praise and worship Him more
and serve Him with a higher level of commitment. They are so devoted to God
that they like Esther may say, “if I perish, I perish’. They are ready to
undertake any assignment for God no matter how hazardous. They have gone beyond
following Jesus for butter and bread.
In Philippians 1:21, Paul articulated the character of
this group when he said:
“For to me to live is Christ,
and to die is gain.”
This group of people are referred to as the sanctified
ones. They fear nothing but sin. If you will be set apart for God, you must
have a heart transplant. You must be completely dead to the world. They are so
Christ-centred that they cannot be distracted by the world. No wonder Paul says
he cannot be distracted by the world. No wonder Paul says he is crucified with
Christ (Galatians 2:20). In those days, when we were taught sanctification, we
learnt that one of the ways to know the sanctified ones because they are
preoccupied with their love for Jesus Christ. They are prepared to suffer
wrongfully and take it calmly. There is no space in their hearts for immoral
thoughts. Are you sanctified? Are you set apart for the Lord? If you were hurt
and you did not have the opportunity to retaliate, would you not be angry? Ask
to be part of this special group!
Prayer point
Father, let me experience
your genuine sanctification.
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