The Gift of Choice
Today I have given you a choice between life and death, success and disaster.
(Deuteronomy 30:15 ERV)
Choose life so that you and your descendants may live.
(Deuteronomy 30:19 NRSV)
God could have made an army of robots who would serve Him, but instead He made children who would love Him freely. One of the greatest gifts He offers us is the gift of choice. Throughout the Bible, we see Him honoring the choices made by His children.
Adam and Eve were the first people to walk the earth. They were given the choice of eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil or obeying God. They chose to eat the fruit with disastrous consequences for both them and future mankind.
Abel and Cain were the sons of Adam. Abel chose to honor God with his offering. Cain chose to murder his brother in a fit of jealous rage.
Lot had the choice of the grassy plain or the city of Sodom. He chose Sodom and the world. Abraham chose the plain and God’s will.
David chose to follow God and became “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14 NKJV). Saul followed his own plan and ended up taking his own life on the battlefield.
On the day of Christ’s crucifixion, two thieves hung on either side of Him. Once turned to Him for mercy; the other did not.
Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke 23:42 NKJV).
Peter and Judas both denied their Lord. Peter wept bitterly and repented. Jesus returned for him and gave him mercy. On the day of His resurrection, an angel appeared to Mary Magdalene outside the tomb and told her to go tell His disciples that He was alive. But one disciple was especially called out—Peter.
But go, tell His disciples – AND PETER – that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you (Mark 16:7 NKJV; emphasis mine).
Judas opted to betray His master and, in the end, found death.
People often ask how a God of love can send people to hell. He doesn’t. He simply honors their choice. He has provided each of us the way to Him. It is up to us to take it or leave it. This is the essence of free will.
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NKJV).
God’s gift—choice. Choose wisely.
