FIRST! Again

By Rev. Dr. Sandy Roger

HAVE you ever heard someone telling of their call to Bible College and thought: “God’s call is only for the elite. The Lord would never call me; I’m not spiritual or good enough.” Perhaps you feel that all this “call” is something mysterious and definitely not for you.

The Scriptures deal with this subject plainly and practically. So before going any further, will you go and get your bible and read the account of Jesus calling some of his first disciples? You will find it in Matthew 4:18-22.

So often, we think of this incident only as Christ’s call to would-be followers, but it also has some more profound lessons about how Christ calls people to his service. The “call to discipleship stories” in the Gospels always operate on two levels – encouragement for those taking their first tentative steps in Christ’s direction, and the challenge to face up to what this will eventually entail.

Jesus called people who had already proved themselves as workers. It is highly unlikely that the Lord is going to call you to Bible College and train you for Christian service if you are not already working for Him. The Jewish Rabbis tended to call people to follow them and become great scholars. Jesus, in contrast, was on the lookout for workers.

Among the original disciples there were seven fishermen. Why so many? These men had the very qualities needed for the life of discipleship. In their busy jobs they had already acquired the basic skills of patience, courage, co-operation and trust.

Jesus called people to a new task in which they could use their old skills.

Christ’s call does not obliterate all of your past experience and skills. These are the very things He wants to use.

It forces us to ask the question: “What do I do in my present, secular employment that I could utilize in the service of Christ and His Church?” All the people Jesus called brought something with them to be used for Christ and by Christ. Luke certainly made use of his medical skill. Paul brought with him his passionate religious zeal and sharp mind. Lydia placed her home at the Lord’s disposal. Bible College training will only make our life skills more effective.

Jesus called people to leave certain things behind. The followers here gave up their means of livelihood, their family, and their security. Some are called today to do the same. All are called to support those who do.

There is always an element of sacrifice in responding to Christ’s call. But he never drags people kicking and screaming against their will. Those who become involved in Christ’s service out of a sense of pressure, guilt or fear inevitably end up frustrated, angry and resentful. Their testimony becomes, “Look what I gave up.” To which the Lord replies, “Yes, but the one thing you haven’t given up is your self.”

Jesus called different kinds of people. Peter was impulsive and headstrong. He had a big heart, but he also had a big mouth and big feet! Andrew was content always to play a supporting role. James and John were probably nicknamed the sons of thunder because of their fiery tempers. We know that along with their mother they were overly ambitious. But Jesus called them all. It is no problem to him to take our personality defects and eccentricities. In fact, he is the only One who can do anything with them.

Jesus expects our eventual response. This was not the first time these men had met Jesus. Previously they had been to his home and they had even accompanied him to a wedding reception. By piecing together the various Gospel accounts it becomes clear that he had actually given them about a year to think it over. Jesus never hurries or hassles people into discipleship and service.

I would love to think that some of your reasons for not recognizing or responding to Christ’s call could be demolished by taking a fresh look at this familiar story.

• All the skills learned in life so far could be used by Jesus, if only they were placed in His hands.

• Even though you see yourself as different from every Bible College student you know, that does not mean there is no place for your gifts and personality.

• The Lord has given you more than enough time to mull things over and in your heart you know it is now time for action.

Here is a prayer that you might find helpful.

Lord Jesus, for some time I have been aware of your call upon my life, and I have now reached a point of no return. Insistently, I can hear your voice: “Follow Me.” Clearly, I can see your promise: “I will make you…” Help me to move forward in step with your will for my life.

Dr Sandy Roger is a former Principal of the Faith Mission Bible College, Edinburgh.

He is now a parish minister in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, Scotland