Dear Ones:
We are all apt to think that the calling of God is to a work, mission, or occupation. These are outward aspects of the calling. The unchanging, undiminished calling of God is for us to fellowship with the Father and the Son, by the Spirit. John, in his first letter, writes: “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have FELLOWSHIP with us: and truly our FELLOWSHIP is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” (1:3) If there is any question about this calling, its nature, and objective, we have only to go to Paul’s writings: “God is faithful, by whom ye were CALLED unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Cor. 1:9) What is so extraordinary about this calling is that it is not a calling to a thing, but a person…to KNOW that Person, and as Paul later writes, “…to know Him, and the power of His resurrection.” (Phil. 3:10) We are called to know Him, to live BY Him, FOR Him. But then, the question must be asked: And how is this calling to be realized? It is one thing to know about the calling, it is another to experience it, to live it.
Please look at the first phrase of this verse in Corinthians…and then look at the matter of the very basis and essence of the calling. Paul begins by declaring: “GOD IS FAITHFUL.” Now what does this mean? It means that what He says He will do, and what he declares is the basis for all faith and life. It means that He is not only the originator of the calling, but the very essence and realization of it. “Faithful is He who calls you who also will do it.” (1 Thess. 5:24) With the calling comes all the resources in Christ, all the power of the Spirit, all the knowledge and wisdom necessary for the realization of it. We might just say that the calling of God is the “Word of God” to each of us, and with that word, is the absolute promise of His presence, and the commitment of His provision…by the Spirit.
How frustrating it is when we, in some form or fashion, seek to answer this calling in by our own efforts, seeking to realize it by our own “self-based” righteousness. We are called to rely wholly upon Christ, who IS our life. We are to walk in dependence upon the Spirit of God, believing Him to guide and provide for all that is needful in the will of God. When Jesus died on the cross, we died with Him, so that we should NOT trust in ourselves, but in Him who loved us and gave Himself for us.
Let’s conclude by mentioning the motive for the calling…the love of God. Isaiah wrote: “For unto US a child is born, a Son is given, and the government shall BE upon His shoulders.” (Is. 9:6) Luke writes concerning the angel’s appearance to the shepherds at the time of Christ’s birth: “For unto YOU is born this day…a Savior which is Christ the Lord.” (2:11) In both declarations we have the Father giving His precious Son … to be the Savior of us all. If this is not enough to grasp the intent, and intensity of God concerning this issue of fellowship, we should remember this: “…He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for US ALL, how shall He not WITH Him, give US all things?” (Rom. 8:32) God is faithful in His immutable calling, to commit Himself fully in Christ, that we might know Him, fellowship with Him. Shall we not believe Him for an increasing realization of such a fellowship with God? He is waiting. Are we seeking, in order to find?
Love, Dad