While Bryan was with us after Christmas, we decided to binge-watch the series “The Chosen”. It is about the ministry of Christ. Right up Bryan’s alley. The picture above was snapped after Bryan viewed one of Jesus’ many miracles after calling the disciples to follow him. Watching this very human depiction of Jesus made the Gospels come alive for Bry. He was so overjoyed while watching that he clapped, he cried, he laughed – experiencing those long ago events as if they were happening in front of his eyes in real time.

During our watching of the series, from time to time Bryan would explain what was happening, as if we were unaware of the stories depicted on the television screen. He shared one of his favorite magazines as one source of his knowledge of the Gospels – a well-thumbed National Geographic entitled “Jesus and the Apostles: Christianity’s Early Rise”. It travels with him wherever he goes.

It brought to mind the text from 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, 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.” (This text is from one of my most favorite choral pieces – “Greater Love” by John Ireland. Give it a listen.)

“The Chosen” revolves around Christ calling his twelve disciples. Bryan is following that calling as well. Is he a worthy vessel? Were the fishermen without flaws? The tax collector? No, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). All who are chosen cannot be mega-apostles like Peter and Paul and those countless others throughout history. But in some small way, we can reflect our chosen nature in the daily walk we take, reflecting that joy and light to those whom we meet. Just like my buddy, Bry, discovering those miracles on T.V. as if for the very first time.