The missionary call still exists. In fact, it
comes in varied forms to different people. I would describe the “call” as God
prodding a person to complete a specific duty or task for him. This call comes
in many ways, as God Himself is unpredictable. One would say that a “call”
is personalized by God, even though it may be fulfilling the same task or duty
as another would. Moreau better describes it as “guidance” from God.
For some people, this prodding to do may come in the form of a dream, a
revelation, a vision, “an undeniable tug on the heart to be involved in a
certain part of the world or with a certain people or in a certain type of
role” (Mor. 160). It is a feeling
that is almost impossible to let go; once that will not dissipate until the act
is fulfilled; one in which the individual finds fulfillment when engaging in
the act/duty.
There are 4 types of calls seen in scripture:
(1) The
call to Salvation, (2) The call to Discipleship or Holiness, (3) The call to
full – time Ministry, (4) The call to a specific Assignment or Task. Calling in
the Bible involves a “growing conviction that you ought to be involved in God’s
work” (Mor. 164). The call to salvation involves coming into a
relationship through Jesus Christ. The call to discipleship involves executing
the mission to teach believers to obey the teachings of Jesus, a commitment to
becoming imitators of Christ. The call to full-time ministry is a chosen path
for some who give most of their time to the work of Christ. Some are “sent”,
being supported by others, while others work on the side to support the
ministry and their families. The call to a specific task or assignment involves
a commitment to a task or duty that may be temporary, limited or long term. For
some, it may a commitment for a season, then it’s over. For others, it may be a
lifelong commitment. It may also be a call to fulfill one task regardless of
size, or assume one role regardless of perceived significance, that contributes
to God’s mission plan.
Then there are times when God will place a burden on a
person’s heart for a particular people or place. As explained earlier, it is a
tug that never leaves you and I truly believe the assignment is custom made,
regardless of how inadequate a person my feel. It is something that you may
dream about, think about often, and have special thoughts whenever you come
into contact with this “place or people”. I know what that feeling is like
because I know that I have been called to do ministry. The feeling is clearer
now that I am getting older. In response to the call, I decided to get prepared
for the task ahead. In the meantime, there is a certain amount of Joy that
comes with getting prepared to execute the task ahead. There are three things I
love to do that I feel are connected – reading, writing and teaching. I feel
fulfilled when I am engaged in these activities and I see the difference when I
use these gifts to help others. I have had a few “confirmations” that this is
God’s leading, but I take comfort in seeing life changes when my witness is
effective. How about you? Are you pursuing the call of God on your life?
The
Mission of the ones sent[1]
- We are
here as human beings to care for God’s creation
- We are
chosen in Abraham to be a people through whom God’s blessing reaches all
nations
- We are
called to walk in the ways of God, in justice and righteousness, in a
corrupt world
- We are
to live out the dynamic of our own redemption in our compassionate
treatment of others
- We are
to represent God to the world and draw God to the world
- We are
to be people whose lives demonstrate the character of God and attract
others to come to faith in Him
- We are
to know the living God and be uncompromisingly loyal to the Lord Jesus
Christ in our worship and witness.
Together, let’s embrace God’s call to a dying world.
References:
Moreau, C. Introducing World Missions. Baker Academic (2004)
Wright, C. The Mission of God’s People. Zondervan
(2010)
[1] Wright, 164.
Art from Google search. Retrieved from: crcconline.org
GoogleImage
Written by Pastor Kevin A. Hall.
No comments:
Post a Comment