I have a dog named Abner. He is a dog of pedigree and worth. He is loving, obedient, and I love him. Recently I felt compelled to get another dog as a friend and companion for Abner. He didn't need anyone, he had me. And I didn't need a dog, I had Abner. But out of love to him and a desire for his happiness I went to the dog pound to find him a mate. The caretaker told me he had many dogs, all of which were due to be euthanized (killed) the next day. Well, I started at the first cage and walked down the line, looking in every cage in search of my dog. It wasn't until I came to the LAST cage that I made my choice. There in that last cage was, not the prettiest or biggest, but rather a scrawny little black female. I made that last dog, my first choice. Although it was just a mutt, with no pedigree or worth, I was told I would have to pay ten dollars to release her. I didn't hesitate for a moment and gave the man the price. But he said there was more... He said I would have to sign an agreement stating that I would properly care for the dog and give it the necessary vaccinations. Again, I didn't hesitate, but gladly signed the agreement (covenant) and the dog belonged to me. I paid the price for her freedom, and vowed to care for her as my own. Then I went out and opened her little prison door, picked her up, spoke kindly and gently to her, and took her home and presented her to Abner. I named her Annie. Now, many days later, Abner and Annie are inseparable, loving companions. Although Abner is still my favorite, I love her as well. He loves her and I love her and I will by no means ever cast her out. This simple story tells a far greater story...MY STORY! How God chose an ole' dead dog sinner like me because of Christ.

God has one begotten, wall-beloved Son. He is the most High Son of God, and of infinite Worth. Although God's Son did not need us, yet God predestined a people for His glory, and the glory and (yes) companionship of His Son. Well, God looked into the dog-pound of this world, full of condemned creatures, and made some His choice. He didn't choose the wise, mighty, or noble, but rather the blind, halt and lame for His own. And I was (and am) lest than the least, worst than last, of no worth, yet He made me His choice. God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit made a covenant concerning me (and all their people), in which they agreed to provide all things and do all things necessary to secure my salvation. The Son came to this earth and paid the necessary price (His death; blood) for my redemption. Then in time the Holy Spirit came and told me through the gospel that God had chosen me, Christ had paid my ransom, and He was come to release me from bondage and bring me to Christ. Now, several years later I am the loving, inseparable brother and companion of the Son of God. He loves me and I love Him, and the Father loves me. Christ is still the Preferred Son, the preeminent One, Whom the Father loves best, yet God loves me in and because of Christ. And told me He would never leave me, forsake me, or cast me out, because of His Son and because of that agreement they made concerning me. Thank God for His electing love, mercy and grace. Thank God for His eternal covenant. Thank God for giving me to Christ. Thank Christ for paying for my redemption. And thank the Holy Spirit for setting me free and bringing me to Christ by faith. Now I sit in wonder and amazement as I behold the Son, like ole' Mephibosheth, and say with him, "What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I?" (2 Sam. 9:8).