Remember the God Who Called You

“I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles.”

God calls us into righteousness, into a life of glory on earth for our own good and to be a light for those around us. This calling is meant for the future Messiah, Jesus, but reflected in the New Testament through the same way God calls us. The mission of Jesus would continue through us as his sons and daughters. I think the church spends a lot of time talking about how we are sons and daughters of God, focusing on our true identity. Rightly so, it's important. But equally as important is the character and power of the God who gave us those names. Who is it that called us into righteousness? I shared only a part of those verses where God calls Jesus into the world. Just as important is what God says right before the calling:

“This is what God the Lord says – he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to people, and life to those who walk on it:”

The God who created the very earth we stand on and air we breathe has called us by name into his glory. Knowing who the God is that called you carries more weight. It’s not just anyone calling you – it’s the creator of the universe himself. It reminds me of the story of Job, who after a while of his suffering finally starts to break down in anger against God. God’s response is to remind him of his place in the universe:

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me if you understand.” Then God continues later, “Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set up God’s dominion over the earth? Can you raise your voice to the clouds and cover yourself with a flood of water?”

To say Job would have been immediately humbled is an understatement. It’s a long response that God gives at that moment, worth reading if you have not before. But in all, it is a reminder of God’s power and authority, that even in the midst of life’s storms, he is over everything. Through that power he also gives us our life and calling as righteous servants over the earth. To know the context of the God who called you gives a depth, a meaning, and a weight to our life here. When we think of our calling as a son or daughter of God, remember that it is not just anyone holding your hand to guide you, it is the one who knows the laws of the heavens. The one over all and through all, who gave you the sunlight in the morning and the stars at night. Despite his immense glory, God called you by name.

*Bible References: Isaiah 42:5-6; Job 38:4,33-34