Called By God

Text: Hebrews 5:1-4

Theme: Ministers are chosen by God, not people, to minister to people for God.

Key verses: “Every high priest is a man chosen to represent other people in their dealings with God. He presents their gifts to God and offers sacrifices for their sins. And he is able to deal gently with ignorant and wayward people because he himself is subject to the same weaknesses. That is why he must offer sacrifices for his own sins as well as theirs. And no one can become a high priest because he wants such an honor. He must be called by God for this work, just as Aaron was” (v. 1-4).

What God said to me: Dwayne, many who read these verses only see them in light of the next verses about Christ. However, these verses can stand alone and teach you some powerful truths about ministry and about those I choose. Granted, “high” priests like Aaron are a thing of the Old Testament past. Jesus is the one and only High Priest people need now. Jesus was the ultimate and final sacrifice for your sins. Nonetheless, you are a priest. You are part of the royal priesthood of believers. As my priest, you don’t need to offer up burnt sacrifices for sin on a physical altar.  Jesus took care of that. Yet, you do still need to offer up sacrifices for others–in the form of prayer for them and service to them. It’s your job to represent me to the world–to those around you, both near and far. What I particularly want you to notice in this passage is whom I choose to minister as priests for me. I choose sinful and weak people to represent me. As the old saying goes, I don’t choose the qualified; rather, I qualify the chosen. My ability to use you is not based on how good you are on your own, but on how good I am through you, to forgive you and cleanse you and fill you with my wisdom and grace. Dwayne, you should always deal gently with others, for I have dealt extremely gently with you. I did not treat you as your sins deserve. Your sinful past is not to be celebrated; it’s not something you should be proud of.  However, it should be acknowledged for what it is: forgiven and under my Son’s blood. Let your past propel you in your present and future to be a minister who can relate to other’s weaknesses and who desires them to experience the same forgiveness and grace that you’ve been shown. You’re not special or unique because you’ve been called by me. Every follower of mine is called to minister in my name. Still, there are specific people I want you to reach and help and share my hope with. Your ability and opportunity to minister to them will never be based on your own merit or smarts; but rather, on my divine calling and power on your life and on my deep, deep love for them and for you.

What I said to God: Our Father who are in heaven, hallowed be Your name. May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth, as it in heaven. I confess and admit that I am a sinful creature. I know I don’t deserve to be chosen by You. You knit me together and gifted me while I was in my mother’s womb. Even there You saw me and chose me to be Your child and to serve You as Your minister on this earth. Wow! Such knowledge is too great for me to fathom. Such love, mercy and grace none can imagine or deserve. Thank You for calling me and for giving me the power to become Your child and Your minister. Thank You that I didn’t choose myself and no person chose me. You chose me. Thus, my worth and my effectiveness are not based on other people’s approval or strength. No person can pluck me out of Your hand, and no one (not even me) can void the calling You have put on my life to be Your child and servant forever. Praise Your name!