Many situations come to mind when we hear the phrase “the calling.” Some think of the phrase in reference to their life employment. Others think of a deep spiritual tugging for a certain ministry. Both can involve a great change in their life.
There is one calling we all need and that is the calling from Jesus for salvation. We see many times in scripture Jesus calls different people. The rich young ruler, the woman at the well, Nicodemus by night, or the calling of the disciples.
In Matthew 4:18 the calling of Peter and Andrew. In Matthew 4:21 he calls James and John.
Matthew 4:18-22 “And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.”
These men were called to work for God. They were called to be representatives of Jesus, to spread his word of salvation, and to encourage the saints to grow in their walk. They were to walk in such a way that they would be an example for us to follow.
Their response to Jesus’ calling was positive. They all followed wherever Christ would send them. They also followed another principle of obedience, they did it immediately. To do this, there had to be sacrifice and trust. Their nets were the means of their living, perhaps it was all the property they possessed. By leaving them immediately, and following him, they gave every evidence of sincerity. They made their choice and followed through with obedience. These men forsook all to answer their call on their life.
Jesus taught in Matthew 19:16- 24 that we must be willing to give up everything to follow him. This young man was a ruler and wealthy. We learn from the conversation he was an outstanding young man. He had kept all the commandments from his youth up. He had been drawn to Jesus and wanted eternal life. We know from John 6:44 “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.” He had been called for salvation. Unlike James, John, Peter, and Andrew, when Jesus told him to go sell all that he had they obeyed. However, this young man would not obey so he could have eternal life, therefore, he went away sorrowful. He was not willing to follow the call of God for his life. He was so close to eternal life he could almost touch it, but he would not leave his wealth. This one thing he held on to, kept him from answering the call.
Matthew 19:16-22 “And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.”
If you are saved you have answered the call for salvation. You have told Jesus you will follow. That is the first step in following Christ, but only the first step. As you grow in your walk with him there will be many more callings. Each one is important in your progression to be like Jesus. If you want to be obedient you must answer each one with full surrender. Just as the disciples left their boat we must leave whatever it is that is hindering our movement forward for Christ. We must love him above all else.
Ask yourself the hard question and meditate on it. Is there anything I would not give up to follow Christ?
