You don’t have to be in modeling long before you hear about, or perhaps even go to, a model show. Most are sanctioned by a local IPMS chapter, and often have vendor displays, guest speakers, and, of course, tables full of modelers work on display. The purpose of all those displays is to pick winners in different categories.
The judges look over models with a fine tooth comb. They look for seams that are showing, parts glued in wrong, how well it’s painted and detailed. If there are a lot of really well built models to judge, it can be a tough decision. Picking a winner from among several good ones is not an easy task.
Eventually, one is picked, and it’s declared the winner. The modeler who built it is rightly proud of their achievement, especially if the competition is tough.
The modeler can leave the show, knowing they’ve been chosen by the judges as something special.
So how much more special should we feel to know that, as believers in Christ, we’ve been chosen by God, the Creator of the universe and all things in it, for a special place of service in His Kingdom, and an eternity in Heaven with Him?
God’s word tells us he’s done this, in several places (italics are mine):
1 Thessalonians 1
4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.
Romans 8:28-33
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.
Ephesians 1:4-11
4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.1 Peter 1
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
Notice that this is no quick, hasty choice. Ephesians 1:4 says we were chosen “before the creation of the world”. Almost like God created the world with you in mind. 🙂
Not almost- He did! Look back at Romans 8:28. We are called “according to His purpose.” God knew from the beginning who you were, and He had a purpose in mind for you. He chose you, with a special purpose.
Some folks get hung up on the predestination aspect. “Well what does it matter if it’s already a foregone conclusion?” My answer to that is simple- predestination doesn’t matter unless you know what’s been chosen. God knows if you will accept His gift of salvation- but you have to take the step of doing so. And in doing so, you’ll be in the place God intended you to be- in obedience to Him, and blessed by Him.
The fact is, in the “Model Show of Life”, God has already chosen His “best of show”- YOU! You simply have to accept the gift. The gift of forgiveness and grace through His Son, Jesus Christ.