It was totally obvious, when God defeated the Midian army with 300 torch-bearers and trumpet-blowers, that GOD was the saviour who brought freedom – not Gideon's men. And it was totally obvious, when God defeated Satan through the action of ONE man, his Son Jesus on the cross, that GOD is the Saviour who brings freedom – not mankind. Yes, God chooses agents to represent him in the physical world. Yes, these agents must respond to God in faith. But no, these agents were not chosen because they were hero material - they became heroic as God exercised his power through them.
So now, WE have been chosen as followers of Jesus, chosen by him to receive the Holy Spirit, and to be adopted into God's family - I don't know why! But in faith, we respond to the call with confidence, knowing that it is not our skill or devotion or brains or beauty that will win the victory – it is God. We give God the glory for our freedom, and we try at all times, and especially today, to give God the gratitude.
Gracious God, we repent of all those times we assumed we were superior, just because you have chosen us. Form us into the agents you need for the furtherance of your kingdom, in Jesus name, amen.