March 11, 2004

MY ELECT ONE

"Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, my Elect One in whom My soul delights!" (Isaiah 42:1, NKJV).

To be the recipient of a knighthood, a Nobel prize, or some other award of excellence is a high honor. Such persons are selected for their outstanding accomplishments.

Before the foundation of the world, God drafted a master plan for the redemption of humanity (see 1 Peter 1:20). The implementation of this plan required heaven's best. Many of the heavenly hosts were ready and willing to undertake the mission of implementing the plan. However, only One in all the universe had the credentials to accomplish this task. Willingly He came to planet Earth and flawlessly accomplished God's plan.

As a divine endorsement, God awarded His beloved Son the title, "My Elect One in whom My soul delights" (Isaiah 42:1, NKJV). The endearing title is descriptive of Christ's unique role in our redemption. As God's Elect One, He performs many functions. He is the elect foundation stone of the church (see 1 Peter 2:4-7). He is the "Elect One" for our atonement; He is the elect mediator between God and man; He is the elect servant. As God's Elect One, Jesus is our Redeemer and the restorer of righteousness (see Isaiah 32:16, 17). He regenerates and reconciles all things to God (see Isaiah 42:2). As the Elect One, He will finally rule in equity and reign in righteousness forever (see Isaiah 32:1-2).

Isaiah reminds God's people that the Elect One "shall not fail nor be discouraged" (see Isaiah 42:4) until His kingdom of peace and righteousness is forever established on the earth. Jesus is the only One who could redeem humanity. "It was love for sinners that led Christ to pay the price of [our] redemption."--Prophets and Kings, p. 692.

My Prayer Today: Lord, the Elect One in whom You delight has fulfilled the plan of salvation. Keep me, your child, trusting in Him. Amen.