Jesus Chose You First

“Jesus said, ‘You didn’t choose me, but I chose you’”—John 15:16 (CEB).

I recall a conversation several years ago between two of my grandchildren, who were spending the night with me. While we were eating supper, their discussion brought back childhood memories of my own. 

My youngest grandson, Cash, was starting school that year. He had missed the cut-off date by two days the previous year, so he would probably be one of the older ones in his pre-kindergarten class. I guessed he’d also be one of the tallest as he’s always been big for his age.

As we ate our supper, we began discussing the upcoming school year. Brennan, my oldest grandson who was nine at the time, began to give advice to his younger cousin. The talk turned to bullying when Brennan said, “Cash, if you’re the smallest in your class, people will pick on you.”

My heart went out to him because I knew Brennan spoke from experience. He’s one of the smallest in his class. However, as Brennan began to explain to his cousin how he dealt with bullies, I had to smile. I knew God was working in my grandson’s life because I was seeing evidence of my answered prayers as Brennan spoke. 

I listened to their discussion, and then said, “Do you know why bullies pick on others, especially smaller people?”

I had their attention as I continued. “They do so to make themselves feel better. They’re usually not happy with their own lives and sometimes it’s not their fault. They could come from a home where they are not loved. Picking on someone smaller than they are makes them feel they’re in control.”

I, too, was picked on when I was in elementary school. Not only was I small for my age, but I wasn’t athletic, which meant I was one of the last ones chosen for playground games, like Kick Ball and Red Rover. Because of my own childhood experiences, I could empathize with Brennan, who’s now finding his niche as a guard on the basketball team. He’s small but aggressive on the court.

The following morning, as my two grandsons were playing, I was spending time with the Lord in my sun-room. I was reading “The Upper Room” daily devotional when I realized the message fit the previous evening’s conversation. 

In the devotional, written by a man in Pennsylvania, the author shared his own experiences with being chosen last. Because he was the new kid in town and the smallest in his neighborhood, he was the last one chosen when teams were formed to play baseball. 

As I finished reading the author’s story, I knew I needed to share it with my grandsons. Calling them into the sun-room, I read that day’s scripture, John 15:16, and the devotional that followed. My grandsons both listened intently. When I finished reading aloud, I asked them, “Do you know what that means?”

I reread the scripture: “Jesus said, ‘You didn’t choose me, but I chose you.’” 

Brennan said, “It means Jesus loves us.”

Cash chimed in. “Yes, Jesus loves us.”

Yes, Jesus loves us. Regardless of our size or abilities, He’ll always choose us.

(A note to my readers: Before school starts this year, please sit down with your children and teenagers and discuss bullying. Whether your child or teen has been bullied or not, please check out the following ways to share the message that bullying must stop: http://www.stopbullyingnowfoundation.org, https://www.stopbullying.gov  and http://www.stompoutbullying.org .)