Listening for the Call

Last Sunday’s sermon was about the call of God. The idea of receiving a “call” from God is frequently associated with a special mission or task given to an individual (think Noah, Abraham, Moses, etc.) and there certainly are many who heard the call and responded (a quick read of Hebrews 11 proves this). The scripture says that “The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God” (Psalm 14:2). Since God desires that all mankind would be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (I Timothy 2:3 & 4), it should come as no surprise that God “calls” many to him.

One of God’s servants, Samuel, was called by God during a time when the “word of the Lord was “rare” and there were “not many visions” (I Samuel 3:1-9).  Samuel did not recognize God’s voice because, as the scripture says he “… did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him” (I Samuel 3:7). This demonstrates a principle of truth, that faith and knowledge of the Lord are needed to appreciate his call. God may draw someone to him in order that they might come to know him (John 6:44) but being drawn is not the same as being called. 

Samuel for instance was already ministering before the Lord under Eli (aka ‘being drawn’) when God called him. Today we would say a person must be “born again” (John 3:5; Acts 2:38-39) before they might be able to recognize God’s calling on their life. In I Corinthians 12: 4-6 we read “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” Like his gifts, so too his call, they are both “irrevocable” (Romans 11:29).  

Consider the following verses that address our being called as a people of God:

·       Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

·        I Corinthians 1:9:  “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

·       I Timothy 6:12: “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

·       II Peter 1:10 & 11: “…make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things (verses 3-8), you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”

In Christ we share a common calling concerning a number of things. A few examples - we are called to:

·Love the Lord our God (Mark 12:30); 

·Devote ourselves to “the apostles' teaching and to fellowship,
to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42)

· Be “salt” and “light” (Matthew 5:13 & 14) & to “walk in the light…” (I John:17)

· Make “every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3)

· Develop “the fruit of the Spirit, live by the Spirit and keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22 & 25)

· Love our brothers and sisters (I John 4:21)

· Do good (I Peter 2:15)

Maybe the greatest charge concerning our calling is found in II Thessalonians 1: 11 & 12:  “With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

                                                            

Lord,

Give us ears to hear, ready hearts to respond and steady feet to follow after you when you call. 

Amen. 

For more information concerning call, calling & called: Dictionary of New Testament Words).