Christian Living

THE HIGH CALLING

by paul hoffmaster
12/28/17
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The choosing of the twelve Apostles was not done through random selection or a lottery system, but by Divine initiative.  During a night of prayer and supplication Jesus would receive the names of the twelve finalists who would serve as Apostles. (Luke 6:12-16, John 17:6)  For the next three years, Jesus would tutor His ministerial successors.  As one reads the Gospels, the awareness of their training becomes self-evident.  Some Believers make the mistake of adopting the instructions to the Apostles.  The result of aligning themselves with apostolic teaching puts greater pressure on performing and experiencing Biblical obedience.  Failure to implement those instructions could result in discouragement.  The hardest part of Jesus’ ministry was not trying to convert the religious authorities, but to change the mindset of the Apostles.  Today, the same challenge is still prevalent.  How to get new converts to see things from a spiritual point of view, instead of by their carnal minds, is a daunting task.  Jesus likened it as sewing a new piece of cloth into an older garment; it simply would not hold. (Matthew 9:16)

 When Jesus sent out the Apostles for the first time, there were serious challenges and directions given.  They were not to go to the Gentiles or into the city of the Samaritans.  Their ministry was to the “lost sheep” of Israel.  They were to seek out those who were “worthy” [deserving; serious].  If their message was not received, they were to shake off the dust from their feet and walk away.  There are some today that want nothing to do with the Gospel, yet are willing to engage in meaningless rhetoric.  To engage in spiritual dialogue with an “unworthy” [not serious or deserving] individual is to be drawn into discouragement.  Jesus told the Apostles that they would be as sheep in the midst of wolves; as a result, they were to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.  They would be delivered up to authorities and experience false charges.  They were not to worry as the Holy Spirit would speak through them.  They would experience families divided against one another, and it would become obvious that these divisions were caused by the Truth they were responsible to bring.  He assured them that God would oversee their ministry.  He told them that as they continually confessed Him before men, He would confess them before God.  He pointed out that the only fear they should ever have is of God who is able to destroy soul and body in Hell.  (Note: The Apostles were not to seek honorariums for their service.  See Matthew 18:8b)

 When Jesus appointed the twelve Apostles, He continually emphasized the degree of commitment that was to be required of them.  The greatest commandments in the Bible are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, AND our neighbor as ourselves. (Mark 12:33)  It is upon these actions of faith that the Apostles’ ministry was built.  Jesus stated clearly that their calling was to be a total commitment to Him.  If they would love their fathers or mothers, sons or daughters more them Him, they were not worthy of Him.  If they were not willing to take up their cross and follow Him, they were not worthy of Him.  The Apostles were to function with such zeal that whoever received them, would actually be receiving Jesus; and if they received Jesus, they would also receive God who sent Him. (Matthew 10:5-40)  What a responsibility the Apostles had!

 For those who want to enter the ministry, there must first be a calling.  One does not choose to be a pastor/teacher, but is chosen by God to assume that position.  Going to seminary or applying for a mail-order certificate does not validate Christian service.  Deciding to lead a group of people does not constitute a church.  There is no “grandfathering” into the ministry just because one’s father was a pastor.  When one receives a “calling,” there is a complete sold-out commitment to the One who has called.  If a minister does not understand this, his ministry will be people pleasing instead of God honoring.  May God grant us understanding as to the intent of His Word!