by MarryEdwardd | 29 January 2021 08:46 pm01
Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, now and forever. Welcome, let’s take some time to learn the words of life. Today, we’ll explore the concept of calling, and how it can differ for each person based on God’s unique plan.
Let’s begin by reading these passages:
Matthew 11:18-19
“For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said, ‘He has a demon.’
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they said, ‘Look! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her deeds.” (NKJV)
Theological Insight:
Jesus contrasts Himself with John the Baptist, highlighting that while both had divine callings, their lifestyles were very different. John was set apart from the world, living a life of strict asceticism, as a sign of repentance (Matthew 3:4). Jesus, on the other hand, engaged with people, eating and drinking, showing that His mission was to call sinners to repentance through fellowship and love. Both lifestyles were part of God’s redemptive plan, yet the calling of each was distinct and served different purposes in God’s grand narrative.
As we know, John the Baptist’s calling was to prepare the way for Jesus (Luke 3:4). His was a life of asceticism, in the wilderness, far from worldly pleasures, which symbolized the need for repentance. In contrast, Jesus, though fully divine, came to live among people, engaging with society and even enjoying fellowship with sinners. This does not mean Jesus condoned sin, but He came to heal, not to condemn (Luke 5:31-32).
Let’s examine another key passage:
Luke 7:24-25
“When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?
But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who are gorgeously dressed and live in luxury are in kings’ courts.’” (NKJV)
Theological Insight:
Jesus points to John’s simplicity, challenging the people to consider what truly matters in a messenger of God. John wasn’t swayed by the comforts of wealth or power; he was faithful to God’s calling in the wilderness. The Lord uses this to make a point: true greatness in the Kingdom of God is not about outward appearances or worldly status but about faithfulness to God’s will (Matthew 5:3-12).
Jesus’ life among people shows us that our calling doesn’t require us to reject the world but to engage with it for the sake of God’s kingdom. As Paul reminds us, we are “in the world but not of the world” (John 17:14-16).
John’s Ascetic Life vs. Jesus’ Fellowship with Sinners
John’s life was marked by a physical separation from society, focusing on repentance and preparation for Christ’s coming (Mark 1:6). However, Jesus’ ministry was one of engagement, showing that God’s kingdom is about redemption, not rejection. Both were fulfilling God’s will, but in different ways.
1 Corinthians 7:20-22
“Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called.
Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, use it.
For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise, he who is called while free is Christ’s servant.” (NKJV)
Theological Insight:
Paul teaches that no matter your station in life—whether free or enslaved—your ultimate identity is found in Christ. The context here is crucial: Paul is not minimizing the harshness of slavery but is pointing out that the circumstances of our physical lives do not determine our spiritual worth. Our calling is to serve Christ in whatever situation we find ourselves.
This principle applies universally. If God calls you to serve in a humble position, it doesn’t lessen your value. You are still Christ’s servant, with an eternal calling that transcends earthly labels (Galatians 3:28). Conversely, if you find freedom, use that to glorify God in your new circumstances (1 Peter 2:16).
Nehemiah’s Example
In the book of Nehemiah, we see a remarkable example of someone who understood his calling within his position. Though he was a cupbearer to the king (a position of trust and authority), his heart was burdened for the broken city of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:4). God used Nehemiah’s position to effect great change, leading the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. His story reminds us that no matter where God places us, we can be instruments for His kingdom.
1 Corinthians 7:27-28
“Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? Do not seek a wife.
But even if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned; but such will have trouble in the flesh, and I would spare you.” (NKJV)
Theological Insight:
In this passage, Paul is teaching the Corinthians to stay content in their current state. Whether married or single, each person has a calling to serve God. Paul’s advice isn’t a condemnation of marriage but a recognition that earthly relationships can bring challenges that might distract from the work of the Kingdom (Matthew 19:29-30).
Paul himself was unmarried (1 Corinthians 7:8), and he suggests that those who are unmarried might have more freedom to serve the Lord. However, marriage is also a good and honorable calling (Hebrews 13:4), and those who are called to it should serve God faithfully in that context.
Matthew 19:11-12
“But He said to them, ‘Not everyone can accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given.
For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.’” (NKJV)
Theological Insight:
Jesus makes an important statement here about those who remain celibate for the sake of the Kingdom. He’s affirming that not everyone is called to marriage, and for those who are able to remain single, this can be a way to devote themselves fully to God’s work. The “eunuchs” here are those who either by birth, circumstance, or choice have chosen a life of celibacy to serve God (Matthew 6:33).
Conclusion: Embracing Your Unique Calling
God’s calling for each of us is unique and purposeful. Just as John the Baptist had his distinct calling to prepare the way for Jesus, and Jesus Himself had a calling to bring salvation through His life and death, each of us has been called to serve God in a particular way. The important thing is not to compare our calling with others but to embrace where God has placed us and faithfully serve Him.
Remember the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, where he compares the body of Christ to a human body—each part is vital and serves a unique function. Whether in a position of freedom or under authority, whether married or single, your calling is vital to the building of God’s Kingdom. Every part of the body has a purpose.
God bless you.
Please share this good news with others.
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