Worthy of the Calling

The first three chapters of the letter to the Ephesians tell about the spiritual position and authority of those who accept Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary. The last three chapters talk about God’s entry into the daily life of Christians.

Paul makes it clear in the letter that although our spiritual position is our foundation, we will never understand that position if we do not let Christ enter our daily lives. Likewise, we will not walk in His authority unless we submit to Him.

Paul wrote, I . . . beseech you to have a walk worthy of the calling with which you were called. . . . Eph. 4:1 NKJV)

We cannot enter that walk by ourselves—or stay on the walk by ourselves. What we can do is accept the life of Christ and let Him begin to work in us.

Originally published August 23, 1991.
Picture: Como Park Conservatory, St. Paul, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

The Call of God

Whether they realize it or not, almost everyone hears the call of God on a regular basis—not as a loud, obvious voice—but as a small, quiet knowing in the heart. Perhaps we know we should forgive someone—or show love to a particular individual. Maybe we know we should spend more time with the Lord.

This type of knowing is usually gentle—easy to ignore. Nevertheless, a person who hears will often experience a negative reaction—both within themselves and from others. For human self-will balks when confronted by God’s call. We know—but our sinful nature rebels.

When a young Jeremiah heard God speak, he knew God’s gentle voice. Yet he made excuses when God gave Him a specific call. He knew the people he would have to confront. He knew the message God gave him would be rejected—and that he would be personally rejected as well. He said, Ah, Sovereign Lord . . . I do not know how to speak; I am only a child. (Jer. 1:6 NIV)

God spoke again, Do not say, I am only a child. You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you. (v. 7,8)

Originally published February 1, 1985.
Picture: Wild Berries, Glacier National Park, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Respond to the Call

Deborah was one of the early judges or governmental leaders of the Israelites after they settled in Canaan. She was also a prophetess, and she met the needs of the people as she sat under a Palm tree. Truly, these were primitive people living in primitive times—but they responded to a woman’s leadership.

When Israel was called to fight a Canaanite commander named Sisera, Deborah knew it was a time to exercise a different type of leadership. She became a military leader, and in this new position she called for a united effort by reaching out to all twelve tribes of Israel.

Some responded and some did not, but with her general named Barak, she led the army into battle. Then another woman, a woman named Jael , entered the story by responding to the call as well. She killed the enemy general!

When it was over—and when the battle was won through the efforts of many and through the initiatives of two women—Deborah sang a song of victory. She mentioned those who failed to respond: there was much searching of heart . . . Why did you stay among the campfires. . . ? (Judges 5:15c,16a NIV) She emphasized those who came forward to join: When the princes in Israel take the lead, when the people willingly offer themselves—praise the Lord! (v. 2)

God had encouraged the people and given them the faith, wisdom, and strength they needed to prevail. Deborah had reason to rejoice.

Originally published July 29, 1988.
Picture: Commercial landscape, Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

He Makes Us Whole

Jesus met a man with a withered hand in the synagogue, and He healed it. One Word—and it was done.

But before He spoke the Word, Jesus dealt with the Pharisees—religious men who would rather see the man suffer than acknowledge Jesus’ ministry. They were watching Jesus closely, looking for fault, looking for a way to reject the ministry of God’s Son. They didn’t care about the man who needed healing.

Jesus cut through their opposition, and He spoke directly to the man: “Stretch out your hand.” The man followed Jesus’ instructions, and his hand was restored as whole as the others. (Lk. 6:10 NKJV)

There will always be people who would rather see others suffer than acknowledge Jesus’ ministry. They look for ways to reject God and His Son.

Jesus continues to deal with their opposition. If we look beyond opposition and respond to Him—stretch out our soul, our very being—in answer to His call, He promises to restore. He makes us whole again.

Originally published April 8, 1988.