Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- September 22, 2011
“Come follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.” Matthew 4:19-20
Disciples of Jesus are called by the Lord to minister in their home and in the marketplace. However, Christ does call some of His followers to vocational ministry. It is a calling that many times comes to ordinary men and women who accomplish extraordinary results. Who does He call out? Christ’s call comes to those who have a hungry heart for God.
Like Paul you might of been suddenly smitten by a revelation of Jesus as Lord, or you were like David who gradually went from feeding sheep what’s perishable to feeding God’s people the imperishable. Wherever Christ’s calls, His first command is to love God and then to love people. A calling without love is like a car without gasoline. It may be attractive on the outside but it’s not going anywhere. Thus, love large where the Lord has called you.
Furthermore, He has called you to endure hardships, “You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary” (Revelation 2:3). Christians are not immune to conflict. In fact, your faith at times invites difficulty. So, don’t seek to shelter your life from adversity; rather position yourself in obedience to Christ’s calling. It is out of your regular routine of serving Him that you will see what He has in store next.
Yet, be sure you minister first to your spouse and children. Don’t be like the cobbler who has no shoes for his family. Your creditability for Christ is seeing your faith lived out with those who know you the best. What does it profit a man if he saves the whole world and loses his family? A calling to family first frees you to evangelize and disciple with God’s favor. His calling aligns with His commands, so service for Him is seamless.
Above all, the Lord is looking for those already engaged in His word, growing in their character, and active in sharing their faith. His calling comes to Christians who desire the Holy Spirit to conform them into the image of Christ. Your humble imitation of Jesus comes out of your intimate walk with Him. He calls those with whom He can trust. So don’t look only for your calling, but look for Christ and He will reveal His calling to you.
“I, even I, have spoken; yes, I have called him. I will bring him, and he will succeed in his mission” (Isaiah 48:15).
What is Christ’s calling for my life? Am I steadfast in loving the Lord and people?
Related Readings: Acts 9:10; 1 Corinthians 7:17; Hebrews 5:4; Revelation 7:14
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