The Lord's call

“Come follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.  Matthew 4:19–20

 

Disciples of Jesus are called by the Lord to minister in their homes and in the marketplace. However, Christ does call some of His followers to vocational ministry. It is a calling that comes to ordinary men and women who accomplish extraordinary results as the Spirit of God works in and through them. Whom does He call? Christ’s call comes to those who have a hungry heart for God.

 

Like Paul, you might have been suddenly hit by a revelation of Jesus as Lord, or perhaps you were like David, who gradually went from feeding sheep what was perishable to feeding God’s people the imperishable. Wherever Christ calls, His first command is to love God and people. A calling without love is like a car without gasoline and an engine. It may be attractive on the outside, but it is not going anywhere. Thus, love large where the Lord has called you.

 

Furthermore, He has called you to endure hardship. Disciples are not immune to conflict; in fact, your faith invites difficulty at times. So do not seek to shelter your life from adversity, but rather position yourself in obedience to Christ’s calling. It is out of our regular routine of serving Him that we will see what He has in store next.

 

Make sure you minister first to your household. Do not be like the cobbler who has no shoes for his family. Your creditability for Christ is seeing your faith lived out with those who know you the best. What does it profit a man if he saves the whole world and loses his family? A calling to family first frees you to evangelize and disciple with God’s favor. His calling aligns with His commands; so service for Him is seamless.

 

Above all, the Lord is looking for those already engaged in His Word, growing in their character, and active in sharing their faith. His calling comes to disciples who desire the Holy Spirit to conform them into the image of Christ. Our humble imitation of Jesus comes out of our intimate walk with Him. He calls those whom He can trust. So do not look for your calling. Look for Christ, and He will reveal His calling to you.

 

Our prayer:  Lord make your calling sure in us Amen. 

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Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"

www.toddbrown.inteletravel.com

www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com