Open Heavens October 31, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Rev 7-9

CALLED BEFORE BIRTH

MEMORIZE: "So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy" (Romans 9:16)


READ: Romans 9:9-16

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9). There is a universal call to all people. This call is not restricted to geographical divides. The call is to the rich as much as it is to the poor. In Genesis 12:1, God called Abraham. Usually, God’s call is from one thing to something else. He calls you out of ‘darkness’ and into ‘excellent light’. The moment you respond to His call, you are positioned for a journey on the path of greatness. When you heed this call, you become a beneficiary of the common wealth of Israel: you become a saved soul. Have you responded to God’s call to salvation? God has called you to good health, victory over enemies, prosperity, progress, academic success, protection and every other good thing.

The call to salvation however is the foundation on which all other calls are based. In other words, if you refuse to heed the call to salvation, you have no basis laying claim to the other calls. Give your life to Christ today! Apart from being called, we are also chosen by God. Some people erroneously believe we are chosen at the point of being saved; No. We have been chosen before the foundation of the world. According to Acts 15:18, God knew you ever before you were created. Today’s reading is a controversial passage to Christians. They often ask, What did Esau do for God to reject him and what did Jacob do for God to choose him, when the choice had been made before they were born? The truth is that God knows exactly how each of us would live and respond to Him when given an opportunity to come into this world.

Hence, He makes certain choices using indices that are unknown to us. Yet you can be sure that nobody can be as just and fair as God. If God had had to wait until we were born and have grown to a particular age before making His choice, many of us would not have lived to see that day. Besides, some men might have teamed up with Satan to reel out countless reasons why others should be chosen, and not us. God has called you. He has equally chosen you to be a special people. Have you responded to His call? The moment you are chosen, you become very special to the King of kings. How are you living today? Is there any difference in your life? Are you living to please Him or yourself?

ACTIONPOINT: Thank God for choosing you before the foundation of the world. Pray that you will never disappoint Him.