Moment by Moment

(6-13-04)

Jeremiah 1:4-12

          Jeremiah was called in a great and mighty way to great and terrible service. We can see from Jeremiah’s calling and his service in honor of that call that God held true to His word. The Lord told Jeremiah to not be afraid because He was with him and will rescue Him. The Lord then touches Jeremiahs mouth and puts His words in him. He then shows a vision to confirm his abiding presence.

          What an awesome God. In acts we see a different calling by God. (Acts 9) Saul of Tarsus is called to testify that Jesus is the Son of God. Saul was convinced by his Damascan road experience that this Jesus who he had heard about was in fact the risen Son of God, the long awaited Messiah. Our account of Saul’s calling is a little different in that we have a third party involved in Saul’s call; Ananias. Ananias was also had a calling. (we know of this one limited call or assignment)

          Ananias is sent (Acts 9:11) to a specific place and person for a specific reason. He was sent to the right house to see the right person and to perform the right services for that person. (Acts 9:15-19) Part of Ananias’ charge was in the restoring of Sails sight. Another part was in the providing the means by which Paul might receive the Holy Spirit. Both of these were done but there is more. Ananias was also the messenger of assignment.

          Acts 9:15-16 gives us insight that he new Saul was called to preach Christ. This is also confirmed in Acts 22 When Paul is recounting his conversion from being Saul he indicates that the Lord told him he would receive instruction about what he is to be doing (Acts 22:10, 12-16)           What precious moments recorded for our exploration and learning. It is great to see how such an awesome and wonderful God calls people into His service and purpose and power. Isn’t it a crying shame that that kind of thing only happens in other places to other people and always long ago. DON’T BELIEVE THAT! The fact is Jesus is still calling people to serve Him in just as real and dynamic ways as Jeremiah and Saul.

          Are you a Christian? If yes, then you are called by Jesus. Look briefly at the language Paul uses toward the Corinthian Church as an example. (1Cor.1:2, 23-24) The very name Church means = called out.  So if you believe you are a member of the Church you are one of the called.

          At this point you might ask; what am I called to. I haven’t received any thing great like they did back then. The answer is – no, you have received what is needed for this moment not theirs. Each of us is called by Jesus to serve Him in a very real and fantastic way. Jesus being true to the nature of His Father always equips those who are called to a purpose with the necessary abilities to carry out His will.  (Please do not say ‘I can’t doing anything, I am only a _____.’ You see, if that was true, and it isn’t, then Jesus would not be doing His part which is calling and giving.)

          Paul was called to be ‘one who is sent’ – an Apostle. He was told by Ananias “The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. ¹⁵ You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.” You are called for this moment in time and this moment in time needs what you have been equipped or are being equipped to provide it. (1Cor.12:4-6, 11-13, 24-31) Paul communicated to the Church that we each, if we are in the body have a place and purpose and ability for our moment. As you live Moment by Moment do your calling.