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The mystery of the call of God

By Austen C. Ukachi
05 March 2017   |   2:18 am
The call of God is a divine invitation to man to a relationship and service with God. Natasha Robinson describes the call as, “a unique, divine assignment given by God for His purposes...

Ukachi

The call of God is a divine invitation to man to a relationship and service with God. Natasha Robinson describes the call as, “a unique, divine assignment given by God for His purposes, which require faithful and active obedience, unwavering commitment, and devotion from the one called.” A man’s destiny is greatly enhanced, when he responds to the call of God. Two good examples are Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3; and the apostle Paul, who was “called to be an apostle,” that is, a sent one (Rom.1: 1).

The mystery of God’s call is the sovereign choice of the one who is called (1 Cor.2: 26-29). “Why me” is often the question? Why am I the one called by God among my friends or in my family? Many of us cannot comprehend how and why we got saved. Only God can reveal the mystery of our election. Reggie McNeal writes in his book, A Work of Heart that, “The call is a mystery.” It begins and ends with God, but it loops through a human individual. It is personal, but bigger than the person. The call comes out of who we are, as well as shaping who we are. It has both being and doing components…Those who describe themselves as called mean that they have made a commitment of life into God’s service, to be at His disposal, to be in His employ for the efforts of accomplishing His agenda.”

God’s call is to every believer, but we are all chosen for different tasks; we all have different giftings with which to fulfil our callings. God calls us all, but not all fulfil their calling. To fulfil one’s calling requires commitment, perseverance sacrifice, faith and obedience. Paul says: “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry, which I received from the Lord Jesus to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).

Response
Those who are called of God must respond to His invitation. Not everyone called of God responds in the affirmative. Paul said: “I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19). On the other hand, Jonah initially ran away from the call of God. While some take advantage of their calling, others shun and abuse the privilege, which the call of God offers to them.

The Nature and Scope Of Our Calling
The call of God is unique, multi-faceted and comprehensive. It is a call to glory (2 Cor.3: 7-11; 1 Peter 5:10,11); it is a call to hope (Eph.1: 18; 4:4); it is a call to obedience; it is a call to diligence (Col.4: 17); it is a call to submission (2 Thes.5: 25); it is a call to humility (Acts 20: 19); it is a call to holiness (Eph.1: 4; 1 Thes.4: 7; 2 Tim.1: 9); it is a call to faith (Heb, 11: 6-8); it is a call to sacrifice (1 Pet.2: 21-25; Heb.11: 22-29); it is a call to dominion and authority (Mt.16: 19; 18:18); it is a call to power (Acts 1:8); it is a call to service (Matt. 20: 24-28); it is a call to separation (2 Thes.2: 13,14; Gal.1:15); it is a call to perseverance (Heb.10:39); it is a call to blessing (1 Pet.3: 9); it is a call to diligence (2 Peter 1: 10).

Actualising The Call
All who are called of God must give their all in order to make a success of their calling. Peter wrote, “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure…” (2 Pet.1: 10). Contact: pastoracukachi@gmail.com

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