The concept of calling and commissioning by God is a significant theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the divine initiative in selecting individuals for specific purposes and tasks within His redemptive plan. This divine calling often involves a personal encounter with God, a clear directive, and the empowerment to fulfill the assigned mission.

Old Testament Examples

1. Abraham: The calling of Abraham marks a pivotal moment in biblical history. God called Abram (later Abraham) to leave his country and family to go to a land that He would show him. This calling included the promise of making him a great nation and a blessing to all the families of the earth (Genesis 12:1-3). Abraham's response in faith set the foundation for the covenant relationship between God and His people.

2. Moses: Moses' calling is one of the most dramatic in the Old Testament. While tending sheep, Moses encountered God in the burning bush on Mount Horeb. God commissioned him to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, assuring him of His presence and power (Exodus 3:1-10). Despite Moses' initial reluctance, God equipped him with signs and the support of Aaron to accomplish this monumental task.

3. Isaiah: The prophet Isaiah's calling is recorded in a vision where he saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted. In this encounter, Isaiah was cleansed of his sin and heard the voice of the Lord asking, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Isaiah responded, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:1-8). This commissioning set Isaiah on a path to deliver God's messages to Judah and Jerusalem.

New Testament Examples

1. The Disciples: Jesus' calling of His disciples is a central aspect of His earthly ministry. He called individuals like Peter, Andrew, James, and John to leave their fishing nets and follow Him, promising to make them "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:18-22). This calling involved a radical reorientation of their lives and a commitment to the mission of spreading the Gospel.

2. Paul: Formerly known as Saul, Paul's calling and commissioning were marked by a dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. Blinded by a heavenly light, Paul heard Jesus' voice and was instructed to go into the city for further directions (Acts 9:3-6). Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, was then commissioned by God to restore Paul's sight and baptize him, setting Paul on his mission to the Gentiles.

3. The Great Commission: Before His ascension, Jesus commissioned His disciples with what is known as the Great Commission. He instructed them to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). This commission extends to all believers, emphasizing the global scope of the Gospel mission.

Characteristics of Divine Calling and Commissioning

· Divine Initiative: God is the one who initiates the call, often choosing unlikely individuals to accomplish His purposes, thereby demonstrating His sovereignty and grace.

· Personal Encounter: Many callings involve a personal encounter with God, whether through a vision, a voice, or a direct command, which serves to affirm the divine origin of the mission.

· Clear Directive: Those called by God receive specific instructions regarding their mission, which often includes a promise of His presence and assistance.

· Empowerment: God equips those He calls with the necessary gifts, authority, and power to fulfill their commission, often through the Holy Spirit.

· Response of Faith: The appropriate response to God's calling is one of faith and obedience, as seen in the lives of biblical figures who trusted in God's promises and acted accordingly.

The theme of calling and commissioning by God underscores the active role of the divine in guiding and empowering His people to participate in His redemptive work throughout history.