A PEOPLE FOR HIS NAME. The intentions of the Lord are plainly stated in His Word. He is searching for a people who will bring glory to His name. A people who will serve Him gladly, from the depths of their heart. For this reason He is visiting all nations with the Good News, the Gospel of Christ. Gathering unto Himself a special people, from every tribe, tongue and nation. An assembly, a gathering that will bring great glory and honor to His name. Acts 15:14
THE RECIPIENTS OF HIS AMAZING COMPASSION. The outpouring of His mercy on a people who were in His sight virtually non existent. The Lord delights in taking that which is nothing and creating an object of great value from it. So it is with His church. Created from a nondescript segment of humanity, termed, a people who were not a people. But now, in the marvelous plan and wondrous mercy of the Lord they are, THE people of God. 1 Pet. 1:20 What an exhilarating and an astonishing change He produces in these wanton pieces of humanity. They have been exalted, by Him, and are now completely His:
CHOSEN GENERATION. That which was previously nonexistent as a unified body, has become that which was especially chosen. Picked out and called out. A divine choice, at that. Making it even more worthwhile and valuable. Those chosen by the Lord may not always meet the criteria by which the world, and even at times, religions, evaluate their choices. He has chosen the < foolish >, (Greek. moros). Comparable to our English word, morose, which affords us a good word picture of what this group was, before Christ became a full part of their life. Now, the full wisdom of the Lord is theirs, and that in great abundance. James 1:5 His choice also includes the < weak >, those who are without strength, who are strengthened by the power of the Spirit. Thus, enabled to overcome the enemy who is of great strength. 1 Cor. 1:27 Furthermore included in His choices are those who are considered to be base, or without a pedigree. The despised, the contemptible and of low esteem. The things which are not. Considered to be absolutely nothing. Of no value or esteem. Yet, with such as these the Lord will defeat the proud, the mighty. Humbling and bringing them into subjection. 1 Cor. 1:28 These seemingly poor choices made by the Lord are not bad choices. He calls those who are willing to respond to Him and completely changes them, in every aspect of their being. They are made to be new creatures in Christ and have found a life that is diametrically opposite to the old one. His purpose being, that no flesh should be able to boast and exalt itself, in His sight or presence. From Lucifer to the antichrist, it is a proud spirit and attitude which has been, and will be the problem. Particularly despicable in the sight of the Lord are those who are filled with human pride. 1 1:29