Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind—just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you—so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. ~ I Corinthians 1:1-9
Paul was called also in a dramatic way.
But he wants to remind the Corinthians that they are called as well.
They were a sorry bunch in a lot of ways. The rich in the group lorded it over the poor. They didn't follow the rules of table fellowship. There was a lot of sexual misbehavior going on. They would sue each other for slights.
Yet how does Paul begin his letter to them?
"I give thanks to my God always for you."
And what does he promise?
That God will strengthen them. That their story isn't over.
That in the end, they will be blameless.
They have been called, chosen, no matter what. Same as me. Same as you.
There are no limits to who God chooses.
Here I am, Lord. Send me. Amen
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