Accepted, Approved, Appreciated
The cruel and relentless ambition of Napoleon drove him in his attempted conquest of Prussia. Finally his efforts led him in His conquest of Jena in 1806. The mournful inevitable conquest caused great grief among the people. No one agonized over it more than the Prussian Queen Louise. When she was told she must leave her home and flee, she was distraught and consumed by great sorrow, unconsolable at times. Then she remembered a custom from her childhood. When a little friend moved the classmates sang Psalm 37. She sat down at the piano and began to play and sing,
“Fret not thyself because of evil-doers. Commit thy way unto the Lord and He shall bring it to pass.” With composure she arose from the piano, her eyes free of tears, and with a tranquil spirit.
The overarching promise by Jesus to Peter when He called him rang true in her spirit. There Jesus said to Peter, “Follow me and I will make you a fisherman of men.” The germane part every person can count on is the first part, “Follow me and I will make you….”
Here the subject, “I” does the work of the verb,“will make,” on the object, “you.”
The extent to which He will go is illustrated by the image of a pelican over the door to the upper room. It was also often seen on the shield of many crusaders.
There is a legend that if a pelican cannot catch or find enough food for her young she will pluck out her breast feathers, and tear out her heart to feed them. For the crusaders it was symbolic of the extent Christ went to in order to provide for us.
He did go to the optimum extreme to provide for us salvation. His provisions do not stop there..
A psychological study reveals the three greatest needs of a human being are to be accepted, to be approved, and to be appreciated. Indeed they are deep desires of all. Jesus has provided all three for us.
His invitation is, “Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden.” The “whosoever” of John 3: 16 resonates inclusiveness. He has accepted us.
He has approved of us. His all encompassing love sets you free from rejection, inadequacy or inferiority.
Appreciation is the very reason Jesus gave Himself on our behalf. Therefore, “ I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus….”
Karl Jasper describes humans as “chosen creatures..” truly we are. He first chose us. The question awaiting an answer is have you chosen Him for salvation? If so, choose this day whom you will serve.