Divine Calling

Divine calling refers to the summons by God to individuals or groups to fulfill a specific purpose or mission according to His divine will. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where God calls people to serve Him in various capacities, whether as prophets, leaders, or disciples. The calling is often accompanied by a sense of purpose and direction, aligning the individual's life with God's overarching plan.

In the Old Testament, the calling of individuals is evident in the lives of figures such as Abraham, Moses, and Samuel. Abraham's call is a foundational example, where God commands him to leave his country and kindred to go to a land that He will show him (Genesis 12:1-3). This call is not only personal but also carries a promise of blessing and the establishment of a great nation.

Moses' calling is marked by the encounter with God at the burning bush, where God commissions him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10). Despite Moses' initial reluctance, God's call is clear and authoritative, demonstrating that divine calling often requires faith and obedience.

In the New Testament, the calling of the disciples by Jesus exemplifies divine calling in the context of the Kingdom of God. Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him, promising to make them "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). This calling involves leaving their former lives and dedicating themselves to the mission of spreading the Gospel.

The Apostle Paul also speaks extensively about divine calling, emphasizing that believers are called to be saints and to live a life worthy of their calling (Romans 1:7, Ephesians 4:1). Paul himself experienced a dramatic calling on the road to Damascus, where Jesus appeared to him, transforming him from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted apostle (Acts 9:3-6).

Empowerment

Empowerment in the biblical sense refers to the enabling and equipping of individuals by the Holy Spirit to fulfill their divine calling. This empowerment is essential for carrying out God's work, as it provides the necessary strength, wisdom, and spiritual gifts.

In the Old Testament, empowerment is often associated with the Spirit of the Lord coming upon individuals. For example, the judges of Israel, such as Gideon and Samson, were empowered by the Spirit to deliver Israel from its enemies (Judges 6:34, 14:6). This empowerment was not based on human ability but on divine intervention.

The New Testament highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers. Jesus promises His disciples that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, enabling them to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). This empowerment is fulfilled at Pentecost, where the disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit and begin to speak in other tongues, boldly proclaiming the Gospel (Acts 2:4).

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the empowerment of believers through spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 12, he describes various gifts given by the Spirit for the common good, including wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, and prophecy (1 Corinthians 12:7-10). These gifts are manifestations of the Spirit's power, enabling the church to function effectively and edify one another.

Empowerment is also linked to the concept of grace, as seen in Paul's writings. He acknowledges that his own ministry is a result of God's grace working powerfully within him (1 Corinthians 15:10). This underscores the idea that divine empowerment is not earned but is a gracious provision from God to accomplish His purposes.

In summary, divine calling and empowerment are integral aspects of the Christian faith, illustrating how God initiates and enables His work through individuals and the church. These concepts emphasize the sovereignty of God in directing and equipping His people for service in His Kingdom.