Community of the Called

Yesterday afternoon I had the chance to share with a class of Religious Studies students at Westmont about my “call” to ministry.  After reading about the “calls” of Abraham and Moses and Joshua this fall in The Story I was wishing that my own story had a little more drama or flash to it (no burning bush in my experience).  But in sharing yesterday I was reminded of God’s faithfulness in guiding me over the years and grateful for his leading in my life today.

The Gospel of Mark reports that “As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’  At once they left their nets and followed him.” (Mark 1:16-18)

The truth is that Jesus is still calling every believer, from within every vocation or profession, to a life of service and ministry.  This may mean for some that you will “leave your nets” and follow him, perhaps changing a career path or shifting that path for a season in response to the Lord’s leading.  It may mean for others that you will find new and creative ways to respond to God’s call in the midst of “tending to your nets.” 

I believe that God is speaking, God is leading, God is calling His people to participate with Him in his purposes for the world.  I don’t know what else you have on your to-do list for the day, but I just can’t believe that there could be anything more compelling, meaningful or significant for each of us today than responding to that call. 

It might mean reaching out to someone with a word of encouragement.  It might mean being less judgmental and more loving. It might mean asking for, or granting someone forgiveness.  It might mean demonstrating compassion toward someone in need.  It might mean praying for someone whose heart is far from God.  Whatever it is, will you do it today?