Midweek Praise: Called and Loved By God

Wednesday October 28

I ask that your minds may be opened to see his light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people, and how very great is his power at work in us who believe. Ephesians 1:18-19a

There is a legend which tells how Jesus went back to heaven after his time here on earth. A conversation happened between Angel Gabriel and Jesus. ‘Master, you must have suffered terribly for people whilst you were on earth’, said Gabriel. ‘I did,’ said Jesus. To which Gabriel replied,’ And do they all know about how much you loved them and what you did for them? What have you done to let everyone know about it?’
Jesus said, ‘I have asked Peter James and John and a few others to let people know.’ Gabriel looked doubtful and said, ‘What if, way down in the twenty-first century, people just don’t tell others about you? Haven’t you made any other plans?’ And Jesus answered, ‘I haven’t made any other plans. I’m counting on them.’
Friends, the hope of Jesus’ calling invites us to be willing participants in letting other people know about him and how he has transformed our lives. Amazingly, he has taken the initiative and called us to himself so that we may receive him as our Lord. Living this calling helps us to understand that we are indeed called by the Lord. It is this calling that produces hope and confidence in us - not the self-confidence or arrogance that makes us think that we are masters of our own ship and destiny. Rather, it is a quiet, calm confidence. The Lord has called us into a relationship where we become committed to him and to committed to telling others all about him. The hope of his calling is the only plan. In Christ, our past is settled, our present is covered, and our future is secure. Now that is worth telling others about.

Heavenly Father,
We thank you for promising to be with us and that through you we can discover new things about faith and trust in you. We thank you that Jesus called the disciples to be with him and that he was their teacher and Lord. Thank you, Jesus, for calling us to you so that we can learn more about you each and every day. Forgive us for not using our minds to think about you as we should and for not opening our hearts and lives for you to enter. Bless us and renew us as we arise forgiven and bless us as we go forth to share the Good News that you are our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

Called and Loved by God