Many Are Called

Many Are Called

Many are called, but few are chosen.

Matthew 22:14

Many are called, but few are chosen” might well be the motto emblazoned above the doors of Hollywood casting directors. They put out the casting call for actors to audition for specific roles in their movies; many actors audition, but the number of roles and actors chosen is limited.

One hopeful young actor was turned down time and again by the same company for the roles for which he auditioned. Despairing yet determined, he made a last-ditch effort. Approaching one of the film directors, he said with as much moxie as he could muster, “It’s now or never, sir, if you want me in one of your pictures. I now have many companies after me.”

“Oh, really?” asked the director, his interest aroused by this statement. “Exactly which companies would that be?”

“Well,” said the actor seriously, “there’s the telephone company, the electric company, the gas company, the milk company . . .”

The director laughed, and the creative actor got the role.

In a similar way, the casting call has gone out to everyone in the world for parts in heaven’s drama. Fortunately, there are roles available for each of us who answers that divine call. The great Playwright has carefully crafted a script that allows us to use our particular gifts and talents on life’s stage, and acting experience is not required.

The drama is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those on stage, calling us to give the greatest live performance possible. And the finale will be out of this world! So study your lines carefully—they’re available in the Playwright’s special Book, which he has made available to us all.

My Lord and my God, I pray with all my heart that I will play my part in your drama with joy and excitement. And when the finale comes, may I be found in my place onstage. Amen.