The Chosen

April 14, 2021

The Chosen

It was suggested by a friend last spring that I watch The Chosen television series while on lockdown. Several times, "Have you seen The Chosen yet? You need to watch it, Molly." Easter rolled around the following year (2021), and I felt I needed a time of solitude with the Lord.

Besides writing and working for JesusWithouttheJunk.com, the only ministry duty left to perform was delivering Easter bags stuffed with goodies (27 of them) for the children on the Nourish NC program through the local school. Of course, I continued my daily work of caring for my eleven-year-old grandson, JC (my most important job!). During Passover week, the Spirit's prompting to watch The Chosen was so intense that I searched it out on YouTube. It began a journey of rebirth I had not anticipated.

I have closely tried to walk with Christ for the last twenty-five years.I hold a two-year Biblical Studies degree and a BS in Religion (lacking one Math credit!) from Liberty University. I was ordained as a reverend in 2014 into Gospel Ministry through my local Baptist church. So, to be obedient, I thought I would tune in and watch at least one episode; I had the time. I fast-forwarded through most of the first episode and then clicked on another and did pretty much the same thing. Then, for some odd reason, I skipped to episode five. I sat mesmerized. I wondered: Who is this Jesus that is being portrayed? Then, I continued with episode six. Tears streamed down my face as I continued to watch episode after episode. Then, after going back to view all eight episodes from the beginning, I knelt before the Lord to repent for my self-centered pride. It is what I fondly call one of my "ice-cold bucket of water" in the face moments. Additionally, I grieved for other things that I didn't realize had been hiding in my heart (spirit of pride, self-control, bitterness). I rambled on and on to the Lord, feeling liberated, reborn.

But The Chosen is a unique vehicle for this generation and is unequaled in its story-telling. Each episode brings one closer to what it might have been like talking, walking, eating, breathing the same air, and learning from Christ daily. Clearly, God uses what He chooses to reach His children (I have to be reminded that His ways are not mine!) ; His message hasn't changed, yet His methods have. The last portrayal and story of Jesus Christ that touched my soul on such a deep level was The Passion of the Christ. As I walked away from the theater years ago late one evening, after sobbing so loud during the crucifixion scene that a woman actually turned around and patted my knee telling me it was going to be alright, a voice whispered into my heart, "It was as it was." 

Do you know that this project is solely crowd-funded with the most significant donations ever? Has literary license been taken? Is it exact in all instances? Overall, the body of work is nothing short of stunning. The back story of its creator, Dallas Jenkins, is awe-inspiring as well. The Holy Spirit has accomplished (so far) through this outreach what can only be touted as divine. If you want to witness the hand of God move, watch and learn about The Chosen. But if you are hard-headed like me, don't listen to my advice, for when the time comes, the Holy Spirit will give you your own "ice-cold bucket of water" in the face. He is no respecter of persons! And what a liberating walk-up call of water it will be.

Rev. Molly