Answering God's Call
Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham • October 28, 2024
Title : Answering God’s Call
My brothers and sisters,
Neither the boy Samuel or the adult Philip, called by God and Jesus respectively, were ordinary servants. Samuel who was more than an ordinary servant, was called by God as a boy while he served under the guidance of Eli in the Temple. Samuel fulfilled the following roles in the life of Israel; He was a Judge, a military leader, seer, prophet, king maker, priest and a loyal servant of God. He played a significant role in Israel’s transition from the judges to the monarchy. He anointed both Saul and David as kings in Israel. In 1 Samuel Chapter 3, Samuel is a model of one who is completely responsive and obedient to God’s call with his response, “Speak Lord your servant is listening.” This demonstrates that our response to God’s call should be two-fold - active listening and obedient action.
This is also evident in the call of Philip, who responded immediately to Jesus’ invitation to, “follow me.” Instantly after this he found Nathaniel and told him, “We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (John 1:45). This demonstrates Philip’s willingness to communicate the good news of Jesus’ coming, which would indicate that Philip was more than an ordinary servant; he was a great evangelist. As we reflect on the call of Samuel and Philip, let us ask ourselves: “How and where is God calling us to be and go?”
The following from Oswald Chambers, author and preacher, is instructive:
The call is God’s idea, not our idea, only on looking back over the path of obedience do we realize what is the idea of God; when we hear the call of God, it is not for us to dispute with God, and arrange to obey him, if he will expound the meaning of His call to us. As long as we insist on having the call expounded to us, we will never obey; but when we obey, it is expounded, and looking back there comes a chuckle of confidence,
“He has done everything well.”
Brothers and sisters, young and not so young, God is calling you. I hope you can say like Samuel, “Speak Lord your servant is listening” or like Philip, to follow immediately and to seek out someone to join you in following Christ.
Blessings and may God give you the strength and faith to respond.
Yours in Christ,
Patrick+
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