In the Bible, we often read stories about people who were called to serve God. In the Old Testament, we learnt about Abraham, who was called from Ur; Joseph, who was sent to Egypt; and Moses, who received his calling while tending to his father-in-law’s sheep. We read about judges like Gideon and Deborah, prophets like Elijah, Samuel and Isaiah, priests like Aaron, kings like David and Hezekiah and others like Daniel. In the New Testament, we are introduced to Mary, the mother of Jesus, John the Baptist, apostles like Peter and John, missionaries like Paul and Timothy and, as today’s verse tells us, Jesus' followers in Rome. Each person within this diverse group of people was called for a particular assignment.

 

These people were not the only ones called for God’s purpose. There were many others in the Bible, and the process is still ongoing. God is still calling people, like you and me. The main reason God calls people is so they can belong to him. When we answer this calling and accept him as our God, the second reason for our calling comes into play – to become his representatives or ambassadors on Earth.

 

Ambassadors in everyday diplomatic service are usually carefully selected as they represent the “face” of their country. They are generally also well-trained and receive all the necessary resources to carry out their duties. Similarly, God selects us as his ambassadors, not because of our special gifts, but because of his love for us and our love for him.

 

When God calls us to represent his church in the world, he also trains us up and offers us the tools we need to spread the gospel. Paul describes what these tools are in his letter to the Romans: “Now that we have been put right with God through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1); “He has brought us by faith into this experience of God’s grace, in which we now live.” (Romans 5:2a); “There is no condemnation now for those who live in union with Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) and “No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us!” (Romans 8:37).

 

Having these Scripture-based “tools” equips us to help others in coming to know God.

 

Prayer: Dear Jesus, please make me a valuable and effective ambassador for the expansion and fruitfulness of your kingdom. Amen.