Often people will ask me regarding my preaching, “Were you called?” By that they usually mean did God call me to preach through a dream, vision, still voice, et al. The inquiry usually opens a door of explanation regarding the call of God. God’s call is so often misunderstood today. I was not called through the above mentioned means, nor does the Bible teach that God calls anyone by that method any longer. Let us consider God’s call from a scriptural standpoint.
Firstly, consider the portrayal of God’s call. God’s call is portrayed as a high calling. Paul reminded those in Philippi, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). This description essentially depicts the source of this call. God’s call is also portrayed as a holy calling, as Paul told Timothy speaking of the Father, “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling…” (2 Timothy 1:9). This depicts the seriousness of this call. God’s call is portrayed as a heavenly calling; the writer of Hebrews addressed his readers by writing, “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling…” (Hebrews 3:1). This description depicts the superiority of this call. There is nothing remotely close to God’s call!
Secondly, consider the privilege of God’s call. Those who heed God’s call are blessed, privileged to leave one location and arrive at a much better one. God’s call gives us the privilege of going from labor to rest; Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). God’s call gives the privilege of going from darkness into light; Peter exclaimed that Christ has “…called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9). Wonderfully, God’s call gives us the blessed privilege of going from bondage to liberty. Paul reminded the churches of Galatia, “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty…” (Galatians 5:13a). This privileged call has brought us from alienation to fellowship; Paul declared, “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9). What privilege to heed the call of God!
Thirdly, consider the procedure for God’s call. Sadly, many take the wonderful call of God and attempt to make it miraculous or mysterious. However, such is not the case! God’s call is clearly accomplished by means of the Gospel. Paul declared, “Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 2:14). God’s call is for all mankind (Matthew 11:28-30; 28:18-20). It crosses ethnic, racial and every background imaginable.
The question is not if we have been called, but rather if we have answered that call! God is still patiently calling. However, one day His call will cease. Now is the time to answer, for one day it will be too late. Please do not put Him on hold, but instead answer the call that will make an eternity’s difference – God’s call!
