“For the gifts and the calling of God are without repentance.” Romans 11:29
Dear Ones:
What is the calling of God? What is it’s significance? At one point in the history of Israel, when she was wavering and had lost her way, the Lord through the prophet Isaiah instructed her to “Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bear you: for I CALLED him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.” (51:2) Why did He instruct Israel to do this? It is in part because of the issue of “origin.” The entire story of Abraham, and consequently, and that of Israel, began by the initiative of God to “call” an individual out of a context of idolatry, to bring him into a land, where he might be taught true faith in the true and living God. The “calling” consisted of a “drawing,” and a revelation of the Person of God in Christ to the heart of Abraham. With that revelation came also the knowledge of meaning…purpose, and the consequent power, for its realization. God would not only unveil to Abraham His will for him, but also equip him completely for its realization. So, what is the first thing we must understand? It is that the God of the nations, is the God of the individual believer. He calls nations and He calls us, individually.
The second thing that we must grasp is that this “calling” is not only the initiative of God, but the set revelation of His WILL, His commitment to reveal the way for us to follow, and provide all that is necessary so that we can walk in it. The God who made us in His wisdom and knowledge, is the God who has sealed us for eternity. His calling is “immutable,” although we might deviate from it for different reasons. With the “calling,” that knowledge and conviction of the direction that the Lord gives, comes the “gifts,” those blessed capacities, to accomplish His will. Jesus was able to say, “It is finished,” because He had received not only the command of His Father to accomplish His work, but He was given every gift necessary to succeed. Just as God will not change His mind with regard to the calling, so, He will never take back the gifts that He has given unto men for its realization.
The Scriptures are filled with examples of those who came to know their calling in a very clear and convincing manner. Some have begun and finished well their course, that race set before them, that walk and work of faith, which the Lord called them to trust Him for. There have been many who, for one reason or another, have deviated from that calling. Many of these have come back to it, and thus, to Christ. Jonah is a good example. He deviated, but came back to his calling. This resulted in the Lord sparing the city of Nineveh from destruction. The knowledge of the indestructible calling and will of God, would enable Jonah, and others, to return to that place of blessing and power. Christ’s calling, and His gifts, will never be taken back. It is important to see, and to believe, that all things become possible according to the calling of God.
Dear Father, open our eyes not only to see and understand the meaning and quality of our calling, but also, the immense privilege we have to trust Thee according to Thy purpose. Give us to rise up, and lay hold on Thee for the accomplishment of Thy work. We thank Thee. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad