Day 5

CHOSEN BY GOD

"That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." John 1:9

There are many examples in scripture of God calling individuals to serve him; for example Moses (Ex. 3:1-10), Samuel (1 Sam. 3:1-10), Jeremiah (Jer. 1:4,5), Jonah (Jon. 1:2). How were these calls given? Undoubtedly some of God's chosen servants heard a voice, like Samuel, others had visions, like Isaiah (Isaiah 6) but these occasions were at times when great messages had to be given to God's people. Paul was stopped in his tracks on the way to Damascus (Acts 9:1-6) so that Jesus could use him to build up the church. Peter's change of attitude towards gentiles, brought about through a dream, gave substance to the truth of Galatians 3:28 in the church's outreach.

What about everyone else? Melchizedek obviously served God (Gen. 14:18), as did the little maid who witnessed for the God she loved in a foreign land as a slave (2 Kings 5:1-3). There is no call recorded for Daniel but he certainly was a mighty servant of God.

In the New Testament we have people like Nicodemus (Matt. 15:21-28), Dorcas (Acts 9:36-40) and Timothy (Acts 16:1-5 and 2 Tim. 2:1-3). Were all these called of God?

Just before his arrest and crucifixion Jesus spoke of the Counsellor who would come to take his place (John 14:15-18). He told how the Spirit would convict people of their sin and lead them to God (John 16:5-15). The Spirit, present in the world since creation, now comes as Jesus' representative. His job is to "call" people back to God now. How does he do this?
My Lord, help me to hear when you call, obey when you command, and trust when you choose to be silent.