11/18/2024
The calling, what is it? Why does the Lord ask some to deliver His word and the Gospel to the world in a greater, or higher, way than is usual among believers? Pastors, prophets, and missionaries have felt this urging since Jesus first called His apostles. The calling in them is unquenchable and the need to preach the gospel, prophesy, or reach out to those who have not heard the good news can't be resisted.
“For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!”
1 Corinthians 9:16 KJV
“For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship.”
1 Corinthians 9:17 ESV
It is always more pleasant to yield to a task willingly than to be prodded into it. When called a person can accept the mission willingly, or be sought after to perform it while suffering in their spirit.
“What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.”
1 Corinthians 9:18 ESV
Yes, there is a reward in obeying. God blesses those He calls and lays upon them a thirst that only He can quench... His wine is sweet and His cup forever full. The gospel is never ending, the harvest of souls never complete, and the pen always wet with ink.
Each person is called according to God's plan and will for them. Moses, Noah, Billy Graham, St. Francis, John the Baptist, Mother Teresa, godly servants of every description... each with a calling as unique and distinct as a fingerprint, or the very DNA signature they carry within their cells. God knows us personally and speaks to us individually.
But it remains a mystery as to why these particular individuals were called, and yet their calling, and walk with the Lord is obvious, and the impact of the relationship each of them has with our Father is far reaching. The infusion of the Holy Spirit into the lives of those who are called is miraculous and beyond certainly the norm.
However, throughout the ages there have been charlatans, or those who have feigned a pastoral or missionary calling for various reasons. In this regard we have each been endowed with a measure of discernment. The heart and spirit of one who is called is apparent to those who live in the Word each day, and who are open to the influence of the Holy Spirit. Actions contrary to the Word of God reveal false prophets and pastors... and in as much as a calling brings with it a reward... these pretenders will reap punishment.
“An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land: the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes?”
Jeremiah 5:30-31 ESV
So we see that the higher calling is a powerful, irresistible, mysterious invitation to be in relationship with God, and although it is Holy beyond description, it is often painful. The earthly suffering of those called brings with it great soul searching and a lasting heavenly reward, but those invited to obey God’s will in this way rarely see His plan for them as an earthly reward… it is a daunting task, and requires much of them. I have wrestled with this on many occasions, and come to a conclusion by answering this question… How else could one reach those who suffer, but to suffer themselves? Are we led in this way, or know someone who is? Do we pray for them as the answer their calling obediently?
“For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship.
I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.
But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
1 Corinthians 9:17, 23, 27 ESV
Prayer:
Thank you Father for calling each of us in some way, but thank you especially for those you call to do great things, and to a higher calling. Father, as you choose to call us, call us according to your will and give us ears to hear your voice when it comes. Lord, give those that you lead to a higher calling the courage and faith to accept your service without question, and the ability to endure its hardships readily. We thank you Father for those you have set in place to deliver your Word and the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. We pray that their suffering will be tempered by your mercy, and that they will be rewarded many times over when they are brought home to you at last. We pray that you will send angels to comfort and strengthen them as they do your bidding on earth... for they see only joy in serving you, and feel only love for you…choosing to count the pain and suffering of doing as you have asked them as a price worth paying. So often they sweat, bleed, and are put upon in sundry hard ways without having known the full price of what lies ahead, but always with a love for you that fuels their desire to answer “Yea!”, and “Here am I Lord!” Help us to honor you through all you have them do, but give us a moniker of honor, and a caring heart, for your chosen, as we lift up our prayers for all they suffer and endure for you. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who calls us to greatness through faith, and an undying belief in Jesus Christ. Holy are you who takes the broken and most unlikely among us and raises them to unfathomable heights for your glory, and the advancement of your kingdom. You took Moses who was raised like a pharaoh’s child, and had blood on his hands, then made him the shepherd that would lead your people out of bondage. You took David who was a lowly shepherd boy with a wandering eye, and set him on the throne of Israel. And you called Paul who was a powerful persecutor of Christians to write much of the New Testament, and lead the Gentiles to Christ. Continue to call us today Lord. Call the broken and blemished from among us, and make them righteous in their obedient answer, and loving service to you. Whether we are called to the small things, or to lead nations to Christ, call us and give us the voice to say “Here am I Lord, your unworthy but willing servant!”
From each heart and soul we hear Amen! And, to God’s call, we quake and respond Amen!
“He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. This has now been made evident through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a herald, apostle, and teacher, and that is why I suffer these things. But I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day.”
2 Timothy 9-12 CSB
“You did not choose me, but I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you.”
John 15:16 CSB
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord asking: Who will I send?
Who will go for us?
I said: Here I am. Send me.”
Isaiah 6:8 CSB
Rich Forbes