The Choice

I recently found myself engrossed in a science fiction show that left me pondering some profound spiritual truths. The plot revolved around a desperate rescue mission to save inhabitants of a planet facing imminent destruction from a solar anomaly. The rescuers had a small shuttle that could only accommodate half the population per trip, initially believing they had time for two runs.

As the story unfolded, it became clear they could only make one trip. The planet's leader faced an impossible choice: who would live and who would die? Her solution was a lottery system, a completely random selection. This decision baffled the artificial intelligence that was aiding in the rescue, who argued for choosing those deemed most valuable to society—the scientists, leaders, and others considered "important."

Watching this scenario play out, I couldn't help but marvel at how differently God approaches humanity's salvation. Unlike the logical AI, God doesn't rank us by our perceived value or potential contribution to society. He doesn't save only the "important" people or those who seem most worthy.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

Notice that key word: "whosoever."

Not the elite.

Not the worthy.

Not the important.

But anyone who believes.

The apostle Paul emphasizes this truth in 1 Corinthians 1:26-27:

"For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty."

God's selection process doesn't involve a lottery or a merit-based system. Instead, He offers salvation freely to all who will receive it. Even more remarkably, He often chooses to use those whom society might deem least qualified to accomplish His purposes.

Think about it. Moses was a stutterer, David was the youngest son, Peter was an impulsive fisherman, and Paul was once a persecutor of Christians. Yet God used each one mightily for His glory.

This truth brings me such comfort when I feel inadequate or unworthy. God doesn't look at our resume, social status, or apparent potential. He looks at our hearts and offers His grace freely to all. And when He chooses to use us in His service, it's not because we're the most qualified or important. It's because He delights in showing His strength through our weakness.

Isn't it wonderful to serve a God who values every soul equally? In His eyes, there are no "expendable" people, no one too unimportant to save, and no one too insignificant to use for His glory.