But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His love in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, not did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. Galatians 1: 15-18, NKJV.
Dear Lord, here we are again; anxious to hear what you have to say to us concerning our call to Your service. Speak Lord; for we are listening! In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ our Savior we pray; Amen.
Today we continue with the topic of “the call” to God’s service. In his beginning statement, Paul seems to be saying that, from his mother’s womb, he received the call to preach the gospel. This is not surprising. Isaiah also made this claim: “… The LORD called me before I was born, while I was in my mother’s womb [H]e named me. He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of [H]is hand [H]e hid me; [H]e made me a polished arrow, in [H]is quiver [H]e hid me away. And [H]e said to me, ‘You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified’ ” (Isaiah 49: 1-3). Approximately a week or two ago, I stated that God has a perfect plan for every person who comes into the world. For some, it is the call to preach the gospel.
Of greatest importance when receiving a call to God’s service, is the realization that it is all about God, not us! If we can be convinced of this, all feelings of competitiveness will vanish. All the anxiety of converting souls will cease; and we will allow God to do what only He can do; while we do our part (allowing ourselves to be used of God for His honor and glory). We will realize, like Isaiah, that in us, God “will be glorified.” Like Paul, we will be aware, that we are “instruments to bring God’s name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel” (Acts 9: 15). We can get rid of our agendas, and follow God’s perfect plan, for the salvation of souls, including ours.
There are two important facts that Paul makes mention of here. First: He had been called through the “grace” of God! He had done nothing worthy of the call, except to make himself available. How humble we would be, if we could always remember, that it was God’s “unmerited favor” toward us, that made us preachers of the gospel. Therefore, we have not been called to laud it over the flock of God; we have been called to serve them. God has asked us, as recipients of His forgiveness, and unconditional love, to “feed His lambs,” and “feed His sheep” (John 20: 15, 17). One day we will have to give an account to Him, if we did not conscientiously comply with these commands.
The Second fact that Paul states, is that we have been called to: “reveal [God’s] love.” Love should be the reason for accepting the call to share the message of salvation. A ministry without love is a Godless ministry, for “God is love.” Love is what enables us to be misunderstood, and keep on witnessing; slandered, and keep on witnessing; disappointed, and keep on witnessing; grow weary, and keep on witnessing. Like Paul, we can resolve that, neither floggings, nor shipwrecks, nor beatings with rods, nor imprisonments, nor near death experiences (2 Corinthians 11: 25); “nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8: 39).
If you have been called to do service for the King, rejoice in your calling, and be blessed!