Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Called to be sent
Hebrews 10:32-39
 
Gilsy M. Saji

Epiphany MTC, NY
36 For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.
 
In today's society, it has become increasingly difficult to answer the Lord's call and live a life pleasing to Him. Our Creator satisfies our basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter. Yet, we fail to seek Him amongst all the noise in our life. It is a struggle to submit our God-given talents and answer His calling without wavering in our faith. The world tests our faith and only with His grace can we overcome the storms that life has in store for us.
In Hebrews 10: 32-39, we read Paul's letter encouraging the people to stand firm and persevere in faith. Paul's message reminds the people of the earlier days when they faced persecution and struggled to uphold the name of the Lord. Although they may have faced many trials, Paul urged them to stay firm and proclaimed, “in a very little while, the one who is coming will come and will not delay; but my righteous one will live by faith. My soul takes no pleasure in anyone who shrinks back.”  (Hebrews 10:37-38) His message is to wait for the Lord's second coming, where He will reward those who suffered for His name. However if we "shrink back," we will be held accountable for our actions on Judgment Day. Therefore, Paul challenged his people to endure all the hardships set before them, to persevere and to do the will of God  in order to receive His promise of eternal life.
  We often think that God has not called all of us to fulfill His ministry. We think that it’s a job only for our priests, bishops or evangelists working in various countries. We often  question, "How can God use me to spread His word?", "I'm not an eloquent speaker" or "I'm not worthy to take up this task." These are all thoughts that come from fear; fear is a character of the enemy.
God is the definition of love and love conquers all fear. God used Moses and provided him the words to speak in order to free the Israelites out of Egypt. In the same manner, God can use us to spread His gospel. This does not necessarily mean that we have to leave all our possessions and serve in an underprivileged country; rather, we can serve wherever God has placed us.  As Christians, we read the Bible to gain knowledge and follow Christ, and others around us, "read us." They monitor our actions, words and relate it to the character of the Master we serve. Thus, we must be an embodiment of our Creator so that whoever looks at us can see Christ in us.
God has gifted us with many talents.  Therefore, He has commissioned us to use them for the glory of His Kingdom. Today God is calling us wherever we are to be His messengers to take up our cross and follow Him. Are we ready to respond to His call?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we come to You, with humble hearts, and ask forgiveness for our many faults. We ask for Your grace and wisdom to accept Your calling and preach Your word wherever we are sent. Jesus, in Your Precious Name we pray. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Through Christ, who strengthens us, we can respond to His call to serve His people wherever we are placed for the glory of His Kingdom.

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