Revelation 17:14: “These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.”

September 10th, 2022 by Pastor Ed in devotional

Here, in the middle of the description of the ruler who will fight against the Lamb, is a description of the believers who will come back with Jesus Christ. We might call these the 3 stages of every Christian’s walk: called, chosen, and faithful. The easiest example to see these separate stages is in the life of King David. He was first “called” as a teenager to be king of all Israel when he was anointed by Samuel in Bethlehem. Later he was “chosen” (appointed as King of Judah) when he was anointed again at Hebron. Finally, as he proved himself “faithful” in the smaller things, he was anointed as king over all Israel in Jerusalem.

In our lives we are called out of darkness, as the Apostle Peter wrote in his first letter: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9). Jesus tells us we were chosen by Him: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last” (John 15:16, NIV). And finally Jesus tells us of the faithful servant that we are all to be: “His lord said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord'” (Matt. 25:21, NKJV).

An interviewer asked Billy Graham if he expected to receive great rewards for all the people and good he had done for the Lord. Graham responded by telling the story of a faithful old woman he knew, who he believed would receive much from the Lord:

She is right now on her knees, praying for her little country church, her family, and her nation. For nearly 80 years, the sweet lady has been faithful to her Lord. She has been constantly praying, and reading the Bible daily . . . You see, we are not called to be successful. We are called to be faithful.

“LORD, thank You for calling, choosing, and helping us to be faithful today to You.”