Introduction

Divine calling and commissioning are central themes in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's sovereign choice and empowerment of individuals for specific purposes within His redemptive plan. These concepts are woven throughout Scripture, illustrating how God initiates, equips, and sends His chosen servants to fulfill His will on earth.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, divine calling often involves a direct encounter with God, where He reveals His purpose to the individual. A quintessential example is the calling of Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-10). God calls Moses to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, saying, "I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt... So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt" (Exodus 3:7, 10). This calling is accompanied by God's assurance of His presence and power.

Similarly, the prophet Isaiah experiences a divine calling in a vision of God's holiness (Isaiah 6:1-8). After witnessing the Lord's glory, Isaiah responds to God's question, "Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?" with the words, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8). This encounter underscores the transformative nature of divine calling, where human inadequacy is met with divine empowerment.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies the ultimate divine calling and commissioning. At His baptism, the heavens open, and the Spirit descends upon Him, with a voice from heaven declaring, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). This event marks the commencement of Jesus' public ministry, affirming His identity and mission.

The calling and commissioning of the apostles further illustrate this theme. Jesus calls His disciples, saying, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). He later commissions them with the Great Commission: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). This charge emphasizes the global scope of their mission and the authority granted to them.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in divine calling and commissioning. In the early church, the Spirit directs the mission of the apostles. For instance, the Holy Spirit instructs the church at Antioch to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which He has called them (Acts 13:2). This divine directive underscores the Spirit's active involvement in guiding and empowering God's servants.

Personal Calling and the Church

Divine calling is not limited to biblical figures but extends to all believers. The Apostle Paul writes, "We know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). This calling involves living a life that reflects God's character and advancing His kingdom.

The church, as the body of Christ, is collectively called to fulfill God's mission on earth. Paul describes the church's role in Ephesians 4:11-12, stating that Christ "gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ" . This passage highlights the diversity of callings within the church, each contributing to its growth and mission.

Conclusion

While divine calling and commissioning are deeply personal, they are also communal, involving the entire body of Christ in God's redemptive work. Through His calling, God invites individuals to participate in His divine purposes, equipping them with the necessary gifts and authority to accomplish His will.