We all remember a special time when we were "called". As a grade-school student, I was running across the campus toward the gym.Suddenly I heard the high school coach yell, "William, stop that running!" I was stunned! Not that he yell to 'stop running', but that he knew my name. He had never called me by name; but now he knew my name! That was special to me. God calls us often, but we perhaps are not listening for Him.
Looking back in time, I recall several incidents where I believe NOW that God was calling me, speaking to me and nudging me alone, even before I publicly acknowledged Him as my Lord.
There are many references in the Bible of God calling. Adam heard Him in the Garden of Eden. Abraham heard his calling in the Land of Ur. Jacob heard him when his name was changed to Israel. Moses heard God's call in the wilderness near the Burning Bush, and many other times in Egypt and in the wilderness. David heard him call to him on the hillside minding the sheep, long before he had those conversations with Him as king. The prophets of old write of their encounters with God too.
God's call went out to Mary and Joseph in an unusual manner. Then Jesus called his disciples and 'they left their work and followed him immediately. And can we forget Paul's great experience on the road to Damascus? God lays a call on all His children! We all have a calling to service, discipleship, and obedience.
My father-in-law was a milkman, but he treated this as a divine call. He gave it his best shot every day. He was up early, loading the truck and heading out of town before daylight. Several times I rode with him, placing milk bottles in refrigerators of strangers, walking through the back door right into the kitchen, before sunrise. His customers would have said, "Bill Garcin was called." He gave an honest day of work and then some. Dependable, trustworthy with unquestioned integrity and character! Yes, he was called in the truest sense.
Billy Graham writes much about his call to the ministry. But in his daily columns he reminds us that God uses all of us in unique ways. Some are coaches, some lawyers, others are teachers or bankers. Yes from accountants to zoo keepers, we are all called into His employment.
Jesus was called too! Remember when his parents found him in the Temple with the priests and scribes? He said, "Don't you know I must be about my Father's business"? In other words, "Don't you know I have been called to do the work of my Father?" Looking back I can see my calling began to appear in the third grade. I sensed I was being "directed" into the teaching arena. Others will say their calling is preaching or missions; some are led to be mechanics, hairdressers, merchants, etc As long as we use our gifts and talents to God for His glory, we are acknowledging His call upon our lives.
God laid out a plan for us, yes, the same for all. He called us all to "come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men." That is our true calling - witnessing, seeking the lost and bringing them into a love relationship with the Lord. Remember the old hymn written by Cecil Frances Alexander: Jesus Calls Us O'er the Tumult? Perhaps He is calling you anew today!
Jesus calls us o'er the tumult of our life's wild restless sea; Day by day His sweet voice soundeth, saying, "Christian, follow Me!"
Jesus calls us from the worship of the vain world's golden store, From each idol that would keep us, "Christian, love Me more."
In our joys and in our sorrows, Days of toil and hours of ease, Still He calls, in cares and pleasures, "Christian, love Me more than these."
Jesus calls us: by Thy mercies, Savior, may we hear Thy call, give our hearts to Thine obedience, serve and love Thee best of all?
