The Call: What is a calling?
Throughout the Bible people receive clarity of purpose. Sometimes it’s an epiphany; sometimes a puzzle. Bible scholars refer to these scenarios as callings. A calling is a summons from God to a task that accomplishes His purposes.
One day, while tending his father-in-laws sheep, Moses saw a bush on fire, but not burning up. When he investigated, God assigned Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Although Moses gave several excuses, he finally obeyed Gods command.
Esther became Queen of Babylon through a beauty contest. Although Jewish, she followed her Uncle Mordecais advice and didnt tell anyone. Later, a royal adviser manipulated King Xerxes into ordering the annihilation of all Jews. Esther remained quiet. Mordecai sent word to Esther that her silence wouldnt save her. He suggested that the crisis might be the very reason God allowed Esther to become Queen. In that moment, Esther recognized her calling and obeyed.
Luke was a physician who became a Christian. He never met Jesus, but was a traveling companion of Paul. Luke met many church leaders, including Peter, Barnabas, and Stephen. With his medical background, Luke was an astute observer with an inquisitive mind and good writing skills. Luke intuitively obeyed and wrote two books of the New Testament the Gospel of Luke and Acts.
God called Moses directly. Esther received her calling through another person. Lukes calling came through life circumstances. How has or will God’s call come to you?
Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.
