Sermon snippet -The Holy Calling of God
INTRODUCTION – In II Timothy 1:8-11, Paul confirms that God has “called us with [a] holy calling” (verse 9). Newer translations focus on the outcome of this calling – a holy life, a life that is set apart to God. Of course, both the calling and result of that calling are in view. In practical terms, how does this “holy calling” impact our lives? Let us consider a few examples from the book of Genesis.
- THIS HOLY CALLING INCLUDES OUR WORK
In Genesis 6:14, Noah is called to construct a ship for the salvation of society from destruction by deluge. This “ark” was massive, and its building was a massive undertaking. Some scholars suggest that he must have hired workers because the job was so immense. What we are certain of is that Noah was called to challenging, physical labor. He employed his skills to the utmost of his ability and successfully completed this assigned task. Like the Spirit-filled work of Aholiab and Bezaleel in Exodus 35:30-36:1 in fashioning the Tabernacle, this hard work by Noah was a specific spiritual calling of God. It was not his only calling; for example, he was also “a preacher of righteousness” (II Peter 2:5). However, it was certainly a major accomplishment. The positive lesson for us is clear: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Colossians 3:23).
- THIS HOLY CALLING EXTENDS TO OUR HOMES
In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abram (who would be renamed Abraham in Genesis 17:5) from his Mesopotamian house to live in a tent in the land of Israel. My admiration for Abraham is enormous, for I would never want to leave my homeland. In fact, I do not desire to even depart from Tatnic! Abraham willingly exchanged his secure abode for a nomadic life in a new land. The important point for us is that God calls us to a particular place and expects us to serve Him there. Ephesians 5:22-6:4 provides specific instruction for us in our homes.
- THIS HOLY CALLING REQUIRES PATIENCE
In Genesis 26:1-5, Isaac is called to stay in Israel and continue in his father’s faith. Similarly, Jacob in Genesis 28:12-15 is called to be true to his grandfather’s faith. These men did not have to move to a new land, but they still did not see the full fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3). They lived in Israel, but they did not possess the land. Their families were small; certainly they were not a great nation yet. Of course, the promised Messiah that would be available to “all families of the earth” (Genesis 12:3) would not appear for many centuries. Neither Isaac nor Jacob saw the fruition of God’s specific prophecies, but they persisted in believing because they knew personally that God is faithful. Likewise, we should realize that the seeming delay of the return of God the Son, Jesus Christ, is an indication of His “longsuffering” and must be met with our patience (II Peter 3:8-13). This response is part of our “holy conversation [behavior]” (verse 11).
CONCLUSION – We should note that Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were all married men. Thus, their wives were full participants in God’s “holy calling.” Together, then, let us be certain of our faith in Jesus, and let us be “looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God” (verse 12).