The concept of the "Call of God" is a significant theme throughout the Bible, representing God's invitation to individuals and nations to enter into a relationship with Him, to fulfill His purposes, and to live according to His will. Despite the divine origin and the promise of eternal blessings, the biblical narrative consistently illustrates that most people reject this call.

Old Testament Examples

In the Old Testament, the call of God is often extended to the nation of Israel and its leaders. Despite being chosen as God's people, Israel frequently turned away from His commandments. In Isaiah 65:12 , God laments, "I called, but you did not answer; I spoke, but you did not listen. You did evil in My sight and chose that in which I did not delight." This rejection is a recurring theme, as seen in the wilderness wanderings (Numbers 14:22) and the era of the judges, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25).

The prophets, too, were often met with resistance. Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," faced constant opposition and rejection from the people he was sent to warn (Jeremiah 7:25-26). Despite God's persistent call through His prophets, the people of Israel and Judah frequently chose idolatry and disobedience over faithfulness to God.

New Testament Examples

In the New Testament, the call of God is most clearly seen in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus' ministry was marked by His call to repentance and faith in the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:15). However, many rejected His message. John 1:11 states, "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him." The religious leaders of the time, such as the Pharisees and Sadducees, often opposed Jesus, ultimately leading to His crucifixion.

The parable of the wedding banquet in Matthew 22:1-14 illustrates the rejection of God's call. The king's invitation to the wedding feast is refused by many, symbolizing the rejection of God's offer of salvation. Jesus concludes the parable with the sobering statement, "For many are called, but few are chosen" (Matthew 22:14).

Theological Implications

The rejection of God's call highlights the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While God extends His call to all, individuals possess the free will to accept or reject it. Romans 1:18-21 describes humanity's tendency to suppress the truth and reject God's revelation, leading to spiritual blindness and moral decay.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, often addresses the rejection of the gospel by both Jews and Gentiles. In Romans 10:16-21 , Paul laments Israel's unbelief despite the clear proclamation of the gospel. He quotes Isaiah, saying, "All day long I have held out My hands to a disobedient and obstinate people" (Romans 10:21).

Contemporary Reflections

The pattern of rejecting God's call continues in contemporary times. The gospel message is proclaimed worldwide, yet many choose to ignore or oppose it. This rejection can be attributed to various factors, including secularism, materialism, and the influence of competing worldviews. The parable of the sower in Matthew 13:1-23 remains relevant, illustrating how the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth can choke the word, making it unfruitful.

Despite widespread rejection, the call of God remains a testament to His grace and patience. 2 Peter 3:9 reminds believers that "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." This enduring call underscores the hope and responsibility of believers to faithfully proclaim the gospel, trusting in God's sovereign plan for redemption.Proverbs 1:24
Because I have called, and you refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 20:16
So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Argument. --In Fine, Notwithstanding the Said Heretics have ...
... Consideration of What is Written: Although We Call Christ God ... us therefore believe
this, since it is most faithful that Jesus Christ the Son of God is our ...
/.../chapter xxx argument in fine notwithstanding.htm

The First Opinion, which I Reject, but which is Espoused by those ...
... by the preaching of his gospel, which call is inefficacious ... both in respect to the
decree of God, and to ... latter are, of all others, the most unhappy, because ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/1 the first opinion which.htm

The Lord's Prayer. Our Father who Art in Heaven.
... the Lord's Prayer part by part, it is most necessary first ... For to call upon the name
of God is nothing else ... Who knows whether God heeds or will hear my prayer? ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/the lords prayer our father.htm

It is Strange that These Delightful Promises Affect us Coldly...
... otherwise deter us, we are bold to call him Father ... hypocrisy of a deceitful prayer,
profane the name of God. Our most merciful Father will not reject those whom ...
/.../calvin/of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 14 it is strange.htm

Concerning the Foreknowledge of God and the Free Will of Man, in ...
... Cicero, then, contends with those who call this order of ... that the order of all causes
is most certain, and perfectly clear to the prescience of God, we detest ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 9 concerning the foreknowledge of.htm

The Revelation of the Old Testament in Writing.
... We call it false, since it dishonors the truth of God; and ... Holy Spirit, which, as
we have found before, appears most strikingly when God comes into ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xv the revelation of the.htm

Christ's Mission the Revelation of God's Love
... So our twin texts divide what I may call the process of ... with all the erring and the
sorrowful, and, most of all ... cross and death, I see the glory of God which is ...
/.../christs mission the revelation of.htm

That we must Rest in God Above all Goods and Gifts
... 3. O my most beloved Spouse, Jesus Christ, most holy lover of my ... else pleaseth or
shall please, save Thou, my God, my hope ... I come to thee, for thou didst call Me ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xxi that we must.htm

The Call of Elisha
... Through most wonderful workings of divine providence, mountains of ... For several years
after the call of Elisha ... Elijah had been God's instrument for the overthrow ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 17 the call of.htm

Demonstrations by Syllogisms. That God the Word is Immutable.
... the same substance, he will assuredly call Him mutable ... It is written in the divine
Scriptures that God the Word ... And the most divine Evangelist says the Word was ...
/.../demonstrations by syllogisms that god.htm

If Jesus was God, why did He call God "My God?" | GotQuestions.org

Is it biblical to call the wife of a pastor, elder, or bishop the First Lady of the church? | GotQuestions.org

Why do some people not turn to God until later in life? | GotQuestions.org

Call: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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