The called

“The called” a very interesting consideration…

Before we consider the aspect behind “the called” we need to regard who is the one that calls? Firstly we must understand the authority behind any call. Does the caller have the right to call? Do we view the call of God as the final authority or not?

I remember as a student, when the teacher called a body of pupils most responded rapidly to that call, whilst others didn’t give it the same attention. However, when the teacher called addressing a body of pupils, it was up to the recipients to react. Those who responded well where never singled out, but the rebel always took flack. Why? They never regarded the call as a priority. They would rather face discipline, projecting what they believed to be a cool persona. 

Many will find themselves in hell as they reject the offer on hand, the message of the Gospel has gone out to all; “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) – Sadly, we know that not all will respond favourably. Therefore, some of what has been penned in the Bible gives the believer insight to the mystery behind God’s call, all we need to do is reconnoitre God's call.

With that in mind let us unpack what it means to be called by God, the general call has gone out to all, but to the ones that respond positively to the message of the Gospel we can class as those who have been “effectually called”. The ones who have truly been born again and saved from their sin. Those who see their sin for what it is and have jumped to God for the rescue, in and through the finished work of the cross. I am convinced that this group of people will arrive safely. The grace of God will get then home. And yes! Every single one of them. God has willed it and so it will come to pass, period! The only question we need to work out is where we fit in. Are we “the called” or have we just been caught up by the hype of fabricated Christianity? With a message that promises wealth and prosperity, which is all about satisfying the cravings of the flesh. That message isn’t blatantly unpacked like that, but one doesn’t have to dig very deep to uncover the motivation behind such preachers and churches. For them it’s all about self-gratification. The true Gospel message is all about repentance.

True Christianity look like this; cast your eyes upon Jesus and then look for grace to lay your lives down for others, it's full of acts of selflessness. The complete opposite. To what extent do we need to give of ourselves? Even to death? Yes! It’s these individuals that I refer to as the ones who have responded to the “Effectual call” of God in their lives. Have they made mistakes along the way? Too many to number, but repentance is high on their priority list. The beauty of God’s patience in so many lives is clear to see and I am certainly amongst that number. I will forever be indebted to my Redeemer's love, thank you Lord Jesus for your work in my life.  

Let us consider Covid 19, the coronavirus has the world in a spin, people all around the globe now fear death as it knocks at the door for all. But did you know that God has so will the virus, an act of mercy. How so? One may ask. I need you to reflect on your lives and remember the times you found yourself calling out to God, was it not a time of helplessness. I vividly recall a time in my life, prior to salvation where I earnestly ask God to keep me alive and I wowed I would change my behaviour, I didn’t, even though God spared me. Covid is a virus that should get people to look inwardly and seek forgiveness for their sins. It's the mercy of God affording people the opportunity to reflect.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”  (Romans 8:28) – It is obvious then that Covid is working out for our good, for those who love God and those who have been called by Him. But for those who do not love God and those who have not responded auspiciously to God’s call, those who have heard the “general call” of God but pushed it aside. Covid is certainly not working out for their good and what will follow will be no different.

Believer, child of God be encouraged; “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”  (Romans 8:29-30)

The day is coming when we will receive our glorified bodies and what a day that will be. Regardless of the trial of life and the voices out there. We must remain faithful to our God and stay the course, come what may, and all because we love God and we have been called by Him. Some of us may even face death because of our faith, but remember this; “if God is for us who can be against us?”

May the peace of our great Father, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob be with you all and may we cling to our Saviour with all our might. God bless you and keep you, Amen!

Signing off

Tyrone