The Call: GO
Two words summarize the Bible: COME and GO. The first is Gods invitation to receive salvation; the second is Gods summons to service.
Throughout the Old Testament God summons people to Go:
Abraham: Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you (Genesis 12:1)
Moses: So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10)
Gideon: Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you? (Judges 6:14).
Jonah: Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me (Jonah 1:2).
In the New Testament Go relates to the Great Commission. Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. (Matthew 28:19-20a CEV).
The Great Commission involves evangelism and discipleship. Your calling may focus on bringing people to Christ. You reach them – either in the evangelizing or in supporting the work. On the other hand, your calling may focus on helping believers become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. You teach them – either in the teaching or in supporting the work.
Which part of the Great Commission relates to your calling?
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.
