Divine Calling

Divine calling refers to the summons by God to individuals or groups to fulfill a specific purpose or mission according to His divine will. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where God calls people to serve Him in various capacities, whether as prophets, leaders, apostles, or members of the body of Christ. The calling is often accompanied by a sense of purpose and direction, as well as the assurance of God's presence and guidance.

In the Old Testament, the calling of individuals such as Abraham, Moses, and the prophets illustrates the personal and direct nature of God's call. For instance, God called Abraham to leave his country and go to a land that He would show him, promising to make him a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). Similarly, Moses was called from the burning bush to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:4-10).

In the New Testament, the concept of calling is expanded to include all believers. The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of the calling of Christians to live a life worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4:1) and to be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29-30). This calling is not limited to specific roles within the church but encompasses the entire life of a believer, urging them to holiness, service, and witness.

Equipping for the Call

Equipping refers to the process by which God provides the necessary resources, abilities, and spiritual gifts to fulfill the calling He has placed on an individual or community. This equipping is essential for the effective execution of God's purposes and is often seen as a partnership between divine empowerment and human responsibility.

The Bible emphasizes that God does not call the equipped but equips the called. This is evident in the lives of biblical figures who, despite their initial inadequacies, were empowered by God to accomplish great tasks. For example, Moses, who doubted his ability to speak, was given Aaron as a spokesperson and empowered by God to perform signs and wonders (Exodus 4:10-17).

In the New Testament, the equipping of believers is closely associated with the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised His disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them, enabling them to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this by describing the various spiritual gifts given to believers for the edification of the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

The equipping of the saints is also a communal endeavor, as seen in Ephesians 4:11-13 , where Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry and to build up the body of Christ. This highlights the importance of the church community in nurturing and supporting individuals in their divine calling.

Conclusion

The concepts of divine calling and equipping are integral to understanding the Christian life and mission. They underscore the belief that God actively engages with His creation, calling individuals to participate in His redemptive work and providing them with the necessary means to do so. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the support of the church, believers are enabled to fulfill their God-given purposes, bringing glory to God and advancing His kingdom on earth.