I Thessalonians 2:11 “As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, 12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.”
There are many callings mentioned in the Word of God, each one must be prayerfully addressed within the context that it is presented. In John 3:1-8, our Lord explains how we are “called” to Spiritual Life by the Holy Spirit. The Apostles of our Lord were “called” to the office of “Apostle” by our Lord (Romans 1:1). Ministers of our Lord are specifically “called of God” (Hebrews 5:4) to serve Him in His Church-Kingdom. The Calling “unto his kingdom and glory” is also an act of “God”; in which, He works within the hearts and minds of His Children, creating within them a great loving, hungering desire for the glorious things found only in the Church-Kingdom of our Lord. The draw of this Blessed Calling has no equal in this present world; it’s simple, sincere, glorious joys are more pleasing than the best of the best attractions in the world. So blessed is this calling that Paul wrote, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14); that is, I push and struggle through any and all obstacles that would keep me from the joys of “the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”. It is a glorious scene to watch as the Church begins to gather in, as true spiritual love begins to flow, folks greeting and embracing one another, and folks making their way to their seats. The sweetest sounds on earth are the voices of loving Children of God declaring their faith in the precious old Songs of Zion. When the Brethren humbly and sincerely kneel before our God in prayer, there is an overwhelming sense that God has opened His Holy Throne Room to us; and though unworthy as we are, He is hearing our cry unto Him. When the Preacher opens the Word of God, an anticipating quietness settles around the room, for there is a deep hungering for the Gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As the Spirit of God lifts the little preacher to the glorious heights of the Gospel, we learn what is meant by, “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:15)! The “partakers of” this “heavenly calling” are focused upon “the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus” (Hebrews 3:1) and not themselves and not the things of this present world. In anticipation, king David wrote, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” (Psalms 122:1). I will be so “glad” when Sunday morning comes!