The power of independence is often recognized by choice.  The phrase, “You are free to choose,” means that you have a certain freedom of will.  It is undeniable that life is full of choices, so a presumption arises that our choices are unlimited, but are they?  Of course, we decide many things each day, from what clothes we will wear to whether we will or not defy what we know to be right.

Many preachers and evangelists talk about choosing to accept Yeshua’s invitation and acceptance is critical.  What did Yeshua say, “All things have been committed to me by my Father.  No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.  Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matt. 11: 27-29).  Is it possible that Yeshua speaks to every soul?  When He was in the grave and preached to the souls of dead men who had never heard of Him, was it so they might have a personal invitation?  “But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.  For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.” (1 Peter 4: 5-6).  King Solomon knew the unlimited infinite power and ability of God.  When He dedicated the temple he acknowledged God’s sovereignty over every human soul – “…then hear from heaven, your dwelling place.  Forgive and act; deal with everyone according to all they do, since you know their hearts (for you alone know every human heart),…”. (1 Kings 8: 39).

Is it possible that we all can say with Paul, “I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin.  I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.” (Gal. 1: 11-12).  Can words of a man impart faith or is it the power of the truth and God’s message?  The Holy Spirit truly empowers words spoken, written, acted out in expressions that impart hope, faith and love.  Yeshua said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.” (John 6: 44).

God is a redeemer.  He chooses the outcast, ordinary people, those oppressed and bound by the enemy, and He calls them for His purposes.  God frees the captive prisoners.  Those who have been rejected by society, God calls to be disciples.  Ordinary fishermen and those who have been waiting and looking for His coming, He will reveal Himself.  God seeks out those with infirmity and raises them up making them whole.  “Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” (James 2: 5).  He chose to give us birth through the Word of Truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.” (James 1:18).  So, choice is key, but it is made by God, we only respond with surrender, submission, and acceptance that overflows in praise, thanksgiving, worship, and joy everlasting.