Jesus Is Calling: Are We Listening?
Scripture Reading — Matthew 4:18-20; 28:16-20
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
—Matthew 4:19
Jesus was consistent about his own calling, just as he is about the call he gives each of us: “Follow me,” and “make disciples.” He calls us to take the good news of God’s salvation to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). God’s great purpose, as the last book of the Bible indicates, is that people from every tribe, nation, people, and language will one day praise him (see Revelation 5:9-10; 7:9).
We are often tempted to exempt ourselves from God’s great plan by saying, “I’m not called to be a missionary,” as if that excuses us from being fishers of people. Why are we willing to claim God’s promise of abundant life (John 10:10) but not his promise to become his witnesses who make disciples?
Perhaps God has given you a heart for a ministry near your home that blesses your neighbors. Fantastic! But approximately two thirds of the world’s population does not follow Jesus. Children, young people, and adults, will you ask God if he is calling you to be a missionary for him? Must not we give our all to enable people around the world to know him?
Remember, we have these radical promises from Jesus: “All authority … has been given to me.” “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Let’s be radically occupied with ways to make his glory known at home and around the world.
Lord, you never wavered from your calling, to bring salvation to the whole world. May we be faithful as we hear your call. Amen.
About the author — John Van Schepen
Dr. John Van Schepen is a retired pastor who served churches in Washington, Wisconsin, Indiana, Oregon and California. He and his wife, Willie, have been blessed with five children and several grandchildren.
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