Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
Nothing could stifle my enthusiasm for Monday morning. Even when I woke up the night before with leg cramps so excruciating that they caused me to faint and subsequently vomit. Even though it was the weekend to “spring forward” (what a misnomer) to Daylight Savings Time, leaving me more sleep deprived. And even when I saw #330 as my number in the jury pool, figuring they would call us numerically. For the first time in my life, jury duty was calling my name!
My heart swelled when the judge addressed us on the history of juries in our country. Honestly, (courtroom-nerd alert) I got a bit choked up, overwhelmed with warm feelings of being able to carry out my civic duty.
The clerks gave us our badges and asked us to fill out a questionnaire. And the wait began.
The first “panel” of jurors, numbers 1-150, were called to report to the courtroom. After a while, they returned to the waiting area, and the clerk summoned the second panel, numbers 151-250. Ah, surely 330 will be called in the next panel.
But after another fairly long wait, they directed the whole pool back to the courtroom. There they thanked us for our service and said we could all go home. Everyone seemed happy. Everyone except juror #330.
I was disappointed I didn’t get chosen for anything beyond sitting in the lobby and waiting. But I would do it again. I had just experienced the privilege of participating in our country’s justice system.
When Jesus shared the parable of the wedding feast, he concluded with the warning that “many are called, but few are chosen.” Of course, he was talking about something far more significant than jury duty. But that scripture came to mind. God extends an invitation for all people to come and be a part of his kingdom. It’s the most important invitation we will ever receive. And although sovereign, he gives us the opportunity to accept or reject. A rejection which disqualifies us from being among the “chosen.”
So although I wish juror #330 would have been chosen to hear a case, I’m far more satisfied in knowing the love of a God who has plenty of room in his kingdom for everyone and anyone who accepts his invitation. Friend, I pray you don’t miss it.