Divine Calling

Divine calling refers to the summons or invitation from 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 followers of Christ. The calling is often accompanied by a sense of purpose and direction, and it requires a response of faith and obedience.

In the Old Testament, divine calling is exemplified in the lives of figures such as Abraham, Moses, and the prophets. Abraham was called by God to leave his homeland and go to a land that God would show him, with the promise of making him a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). Moses was called from the burning bush to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:4-10). The prophets, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, received their calling to speak God's words to the people, often in times of national crisis or moral decline (Isaiah 6:8; Jeremiah 1:4-10).

In the New Testament, the concept of divine calling is expanded to include the call to follow Jesus Christ and to participate in the mission of the Church. Jesus called His disciples to leave their former lives and follow Him, promising to make them "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). The Apostle Paul speaks extensively about the calling of believers, emphasizing that it is a calling to holiness and service. In Ephesians 4:1, Paul urges believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received" .

Divine calling is not limited to specific roles or offices within the Church but extends to all believers, who are called to live out their faith in every aspect of life. This calling is rooted in God's sovereign choice and grace, as seen in Romans 8:28-30, where Paul writes about those who are "called according to His purpose" .

Readiness

Readiness in the context of divine calling refers to the state of being prepared and willing to respond to God's call. It involves a posture of openness, faith, and obedience, as well as a willingness to step out in trust, even when the path is uncertain or challenging.

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who demonstrated readiness in response to God's call. In the Old Testament, Samuel exemplifies readiness when he responds to God's call with the words, "Speak, for Your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:10). This readiness is characterized by attentiveness and a willingness to act upon God's instructions.

In the New Testament, the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) illustrates the importance of readiness in the context of the coming of the Kingdom of God. The wise virgins, who were prepared with oil for their lamps, were ready to meet the bridegroom, while the foolish ones were not. This parable underscores the necessity of spiritual preparedness and vigilance.

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes readiness in the life of a believer. In 2 Timothy 4:2, he instructs Timothy to "preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season" . This readiness involves being equipped with the knowledge of God's Word and being alert to opportunities to serve and witness.

Readiness is closely linked to faith and trust in God's provision and timing. It requires believers to be attuned to the leading of the Holy Spirit and to be willing to act in accordance with God's will, even when it requires sacrifice or stepping into the unknown. The readiness to respond to God's call is a mark of spiritual maturity and a reflection of a heart fully surrendered to God.