Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2002 12:11 AM

Subject: A Calling from God

Dear Ethan & Emily:

Growing up I often heard the term “called of God,” and I wondered just how one could know if he or she had been called by God to some specific work.   The writer of Hebrews in talking about the Temple high priests said:  “No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was.” (Hebrews 5: 4)

Not just for a specific task, as believers we are all “called” to be representatives (referred to as ‘ambassadors’ in 2 Cor. 5: 20)) for God here on earth.  Paul reminds the church in Eph. 4: 1:  “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your ‘calling,’ for you have been ‘called by God.'”  Also, writing to the believers in Corinth, he challenged them to holy living:  “We are writing to the church of God in Corinth, you who have been ‘called by God,’ to be His own holy people.” (1 Cor. 1: 2)

We are also “called by God” to salvation:  “But to those ‘called by God’ to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the mighty power of God and the wonderful wisdom of God.” (1 Cor. 1″ 24)

But as to a specific “calling” for a specific job or task, I still don’t know a lot more than I did, as this is such a personal thing between you and God.

Another one of the “Bible Cover Gems” I shared with you in earlier devotions goes like this:  “A ‘call’ is a conviction that becomes a compulsion.”

Perhaps this will shed some light on the topic for you.  If you can’t get something out of your mind, and you seem directed over and over to some idea or life work….you might consider that a “calling” from God to you for that specific task.  Step out on faith and God will lovingly guide you…step by step.

But…we can all work at and fulfill that part of being “called” which we are certain about…that of living a holy and righteous life each day that honors the name of our Lord…done not out of a legalistic obligation…but out of love for all that He has done for us…and the salvation He has so richly provided.

All my love,

Dad