Called by God, 34of34

 ~ Some Lessons Learned ~

 

Introduction ~ Posts 1 – 21 (beginning on April 16, 2022) of this series looked at aspects of the Christian calling.  Specifically, we viewed the calling of God from three aspects.  First there is the Universal Call to all mankind for salvation.  Second there is the call that all Christians receive—the Obedience Call.  Finally, there is a call which all Christians receive, but sadly few accept, the Career Call. 

 

Beginning in post 22 we started looking at Biblical examples of God calling an individual. 

 

Scripture ~ “And He [Jesus] went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted.  And they came to Him.  Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons: Simon, to whom He gave the name Peter; James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, ‘Sons of Thunder’; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananite; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.  And they went into a house” (Mark 3:13-19).

 

Lessons (from this short passage) ~ Consider four obvious lessons. 

(1) “Called to Him those He Himself wanted.”  God in His sovereignty calls those who He elects. 

(2) “He appointed” – those He calls He appoints to specific tasks.

(3) “To have power” – those He calls He empowers.

(4) “Betrayed Him” – not all who are called follow through and finish strong.   

 

Comment ~ When God calls it is a serious and wonderful thing.  It often comes unexpectedly.  When God calls a decision must be made whether to accept and be obedient to His call on your life. 

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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