The Call to Service

God has given his children the glory of bearing the sword as His army in service.  

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Do we understand as a believer we have a call on our life?  Is it a call to be Jesus to a certain people group, or nation?  Could it be a call to those who struggle with addiction; or perhaps there’s a call to encourage those in your place of work?  If you are not sure where ask the Lord to be specific of where and what He’s calling you to?  I’ve found that usually, our call is to something we are passionate about already.  Yet, sometimes the Lord will change that season and call us to a new place or new area.  

As I look at the call of Ezekiel I’ve found some very interesting things. His call was to the exiles, the Israelites, who were living in Babylon after being captured in Jerusalem.  It was while in captivity, he received his call.  The Lord told him, “I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their fathers have been in revolt against me to this very day.  The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn.”  (Ezekiel 2: 3-7)  

  • The call of God is not easy.
  • The call is to obedience, not necessarily about a favorable outcome.  

Here’s why I say that:  God clearly told Ezekiel his call would not be easy.  He said it this way, “Whether they listen or fail to listen–for they are a rebellious house–they will know that a prophet has been among them.”  (Ezekiel 2: 5)  

Then he tells Ezekiel not to be afraid of them or their words.  Those words alone are indicating his journey as a prophet would be challenging with this rebellious people.  Dealing with rebels is certainly not painless.  

This people group are defined as, “Briers and thorns who are all around you and that you live among scorpions.”  (Ezekiel 2: 6)  

  • Briers, thorns, and scorpions all sting.  
  • Hurtful words leave a sting.

The Call Begins

How does his unique call begin?  By chewing on the delicacy of a scroll.  Chew on that a while; pun intended!  Literally, God said, “Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.  So I ate it and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.”  (Ezekiel 3: 3)

Are you wondering what was written on that scroll?  “On both sides of it were written words of lament and mourning and woe.”  (Ezekiel 2: 10)  

  • Words from God are sweet to the taste, even when their content is bitter.  

The Call To Arise

He was then instructed to go to your countrymen in exile and speak to them.  “Then the Spirit lifted him up and the sound of wings of the living creatures brushing against each other was heard.  Ezekiel then went in the Spirit’s power, arising.

  • God’s call will call us to arise.

He was positioned among the exiles who lived in Tel Abib near the Kebar River.  For seven days he “Sat among them–overwhelmed.”  (Ezekiel 3: 15)  

  • His experience/encounter with God left him overwhelmed.  

The hand of the Lord was upon him in the power of the Holy Spirit, which came into him and raised him to his feet.  God reassured him that His words would be in his mouth (remember he ate the scroll). He said, “I will make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth so that you will be silent and unable to rebuke them, though they are a rebellious house.”  (Ezekiel 3: 25-26)  

  • He was to only say what God says and not anything else.  
  • Messengers of God may be asked to hold their tongue and only allow what is of Him to be released. 

We are told that from that time on Ezekiel was giving messages of hope which he continually shared with his fellow exiles. 

(Shared from Ezekiel 3-4, Modified)

The Call To Do Good

Whatever we are called to we are, “Not to become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  (Galatians 6: 9)  

Here’s how we carry out that call:  “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”  (Galatians 6: 9-10)  

In our calling, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”  (Galatians 6: 14)  

(Shared from Galatians 6, Modified)  

The Call Of A Soldier

“May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands.”  (Psalm 149: 6)  

  • Both are signs of being a fighter engaged in a battle.
  • God has given his children the glory of bearing the sword as His army in service.  
  • Being called is being called the army of God.  

(Shared from Psalm 149, Modified)

 

 

 

 


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About the Author

Mary Beth Pecora, a faithful wife, mother, grandmother, friend, worshiper and servant leader, who loves life and loves people. More importantly, she passionately loves God and the fullness of who He is! For twenty-three years she has served in leadership positions within the ministry of Aglow International. Currently, she and her husband serve at The Secret Place--A Psalm 91 Ministry. It's a place for individual folks to come, be exhorted and prayed for, while being ushered to ministry stations within the room. They continue to serve monthly in the Prayer Room at their home church that they have been a part of for almost forty years. In April of 2022 they both received their Ministry License and were Ordained in May of 2023. She delights in encouraging folks of all ages within various walks of life. Her love of writing is now her passion, which led her to publish two books, "Restoration Explosion In The New Year," and "Navigating The Mysteries Of God." Above all that’s been accomplished and concluded, the BEST thing to her is knowing her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is her everything—her very best friend. Visit: Mybelovedsvoice.com