The concept of the "Call of God" is a profound and significant theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the divine initiative in summoning individuals to serve His purposes. This call is often mediated through God's chosen ministers, who act as instruments to convey His will and direction to His people. The call can manifest in various forms, including prophetic messages, angelic visitations, or direct divine communication.

Old Testament Examples

In the Old Testament, the call of God is frequently delivered through prophets, priests, and leaders. One of the most notable examples is the call of Moses. In Exodus 3:10, God speaks to Moses through the burning bush, saying, "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt." Here, God directly commissions Moses to lead the Israelites, demonstrating His sovereign choice and purpose.

Similarly, the prophet Samuel plays a crucial role in conveying God's call to others. In 1 Samuel 16:12-13, Samuel anoints David as king, acting on God's instruction: "Then the LORD said, 'Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.' So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward."

New Testament Examples

In the New Testament, the call of God is often associated with the ministry of Jesus Christ and the apostles. Jesus Himself calls His disciples, as seen in Matthew 4:19, where He says to Peter and Andrew, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." This call is both personal and transformative, inviting individuals into a new life of discipleship and mission.

The apostle Paul is another significant figure who experiences the call of God through a dramatic encounter. In Acts 9:15, the Lord instructs Ananias regarding Paul, saying, "Go! This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel." Paul's call is marked by a radical conversion and a clear mandate to spread the Gospel.

The Role of Ministers

Ministers of God, whether prophets, apostles, or contemporary church leaders, serve as vital channels through which God's call is communicated. They are tasked with discerning and declaring God's will, often through preaching, teaching, and pastoral care. Ephesians 4:11-12 highlights the purpose of such roles: "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ."

Characteristics of the Call

The call of God, as mediated by His ministers, is characterized by several key elements:

1. Divine Initiative: The call originates from God, emphasizing His sovereignty and purpose. It is not based on human merit but on God's grace and plan.

2. Clarity and Authority: The call is often accompanied by a clear directive and the authority of God's word, as seen in the prophetic declarations and apostolic commissions.

3. Purpose and Mission: The call is directed towards a specific purpose, whether it be leadership, proclamation of the Gospel, or service within the community of believers.

4. Empowerment: Those who are called are often empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill their mission, as seen in the anointing of David and the empowerment of the apostles at Pentecost.

5. Response and Obedience: The call requires a response, often demanding faith, obedience, and sometimes sacrifice, as exemplified by the disciples who left everything to follow Jesus.

In summary, the call of God by His ministers is a dynamic and essential aspect of biblical revelation, underscoring God's active involvement in guiding and equipping His people for His divine purposes.Jeremiah 35:15
I have sent also to you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, Return you now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and you shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but you have not inclined your ear, nor listened to me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 5:20
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be you reconciled to God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Effectual Calling
... call: (1.) The preaching of the word,' which is the sounding of God's silver trumpet
in men's ears. God speaks not by an oracle, he calls by his ministers. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 effectual calling.htm

God's World
... lightning of summer, as dead things; and men who call themselves wise say ... He says,
God makes the winds His angels, and flaming fire his ministers; and St. ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon i gods world.htm

Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
... We may conceive of the fishermen, in answer to Jesus' call, drawing their ... the purest,
has ever stood in the presence of God or his ministers without feeling ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxx jesus calls four fishermen.htm

The Ministry and Prayer
... Just as Moses was called of God to lead Israel out of Egypt through the wilderness
into the Promised Land, so, also, does God call His ministers to lead His ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/vii the ministry and prayer.htm

The Coming of the Called.
... But we confess that the call of the regenerate is ... and yet the former has no conversions
in his church, while ... In this the Lord God is and remains the Sovereign ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxviii the coming of the.htm

How to Secure a Prosperous Voyage
... from the devil as well as a call from God. ... things work together for good'; with them
God's servants who ... voice of His commandments, and are His ministers to do ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/how to secure a prosperous.htm

A Consecrated Ministry
... He imparts His Spirit to them, and by their efforts souls are led to ... God is calling
for men who are willing to leave their farms ... And the call will be answered. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 34 a consecrated ministry.htm

God Seeks Intercessors
... God seeks intercessors."He sends His servants out to call them. Let ministers
make this a part of their duty. Let them make their ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter xiv god seeks intercessors.htm

The Preacher as a Man of God.
... God will have no driftwood for His sacrifices, no drift ... Self-consecration is the
beginning of His service, and a ... statement of what constitutes a call to the ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture ii the preacher as.htm

On the Church and Its Head
... her to himself, is God the Father, in his well beloved ... are called "co-operators,"
or "workers together with God," of whom ... X. We call the act of this cause that ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 18 on the church.htm

What is the Macedonian Call? | GotQuestions.org

If His name was Yeshua, why do we call Him Jesus? | GotQuestions.org

What is meant by “call those things which are not as though they were” (Romans 4:17)? | GotQuestions.org

Call: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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