The Call

Jonah ran from the Lord when he was commissioned to preach to the enemy of his nation. Nineveh was a violent, wicked city that destroyed the Babylonians and attacked Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah. Nineveh was the Assyrian's capital of the world power of the day. Who would dare the Assyrians to repent and change their ways?

Jonah knew the heart of God. If they should repent, God would spare the city (Jonah 4:1-2). So Jonah took the next boat in the opposite direction foolishly thinking he can outwit God. Or somehow by fleeing to a different place God would let Jonah go his way.

What about the call God has given you? Are you afraid not so much that people would oppose you but actually believe the gospel message God has put on your heart? What do you do with with an enemy now turn brother or sister in the Lord? What about the co-worker who says, "Yes, I want to know Jesus."?

We struggle to be bold enough to talk about Jesus in the home or in the market place. But there is a time when Jesus calls us to the very people we think are less deserving or unreachable. We argue that we are not qualified. We fail too often. We are not smart or talented. We might mess things up. Besides we don't even love the people we are called to reach!

Moses had the same doubts, fears and questions when God called him to go back to Egypt. He was to confront the world power of the day. Pharaoh was not a man to command anything from no less demand the release of his prized labor force.

God speaks to our hearts with the same words spoken to Moses. "Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." (Exodus 3:6, KJV). When we understand God is is the great I AM we are at rest knowing He is everything we will ever need to fulfill the call on our lives.

Let me leave you with this promise.

"But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” So He said, “I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”" (verses 11-12).

God will make provision, will protect us and lead us back to the place of worship - we won't be alone but we will bring back from the enemy's gate those He desires to make known His salvation.

Will you go?