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115. How do people respond to God’s call?

  1. God’s call goes unheard.
  2. God’s call is heard, scorned, and rejected.
  3. God’s call is heard, but the answer is delayed.
  4. God’s call is heard and understood, and the person who is called obeys it immediately.

Examples:

  1. Seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. (Matthew 13:13)
  2. Parable of the Great Feast: Luke 14:16-24 – But they all with one accord began to make excuses. (Luke 14:18)
  3. The apostle Paul’s discussion with the Roman governor Felix: Acts 24:24-26 – As Paul reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” (Acts 24:25)
  4. Calling of Matthew (Matthew 9:9).

So being called is to be taken seriously!

  • Today, if you will hear His voice: “Do not harden your hearts!” (Psalm 95:7-8)
  • Behold, God works all these things, twice, in fact, three times with a man, to bring back his soul from the Pit, that he may be enlightened with the light of life. (Job 33:29-30)
  • And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptised, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord. (Acts 22:16)
  • Now the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”
    And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.” (1 Samuel 3:10)

God does not call us forever – there is a point when it is too late for us. The door of grace will be locked if we do not desire to enter. “Outside” is a terrible word.