All Are Called, But Who Will Heed?

Prayer-Soldier

All Are Called, But Who Will Heed?

Scripture:

But I know their works, and their thoughts: I come that I may gather them together with all nations and tongues: and they shall come and shall see my glory. And I will set a sign among them, and I will send of them that shall be saved, to the Gentiles into the sea, into Africa, and Lydia them that draw the bow: into Italy, and Greece, to the islands afar off, to them that have not heard of me, and have not seen my glory. And they shall declare my glory to the Gentiles: And they shall bring all your brethren out of all nations for a gift to the Lord, upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and on mules, and in coaches, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, said the Lord, as if the children of Israel should bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the Lord. And I will take of them to be priests, and Levites, said the Lord. (Isaiah 66:18-21)

And you have forgotten the consolation which speaks to you, as unto children, saying: My son, neglect not the discipline of the Lord: neither be you wearied while you are rebuked by him. For whom the Lord loves he chastises: and he scourges every son whom he receives. Persevere under discipline. God deals with you as with his sons. For what son is there whom the father does not correct? (Hebrews 12:5-7)

And he went through the cities and towns teaching and making his journey to Jerusalem. And a certain man said to him: Lord, are they few that are saved? But he said to them: Strive to enter by the narrow gate: for many, I say to you, shall seek to enter and shall not be able. But when the master of the house shall be gone in and shall shut the door, you shall begin to stand without; and knock at the door, saying: Lord, open to us. And he answering, shall say to you: I know you not, whence you are. Then you shall begin to say: We have eaten and drunk in your presence: and you have taught in our streets. And he shall say to you: I know you not, whence you are. Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth; when you shall see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God: and you yourselves thrust out. And there shall come from the east and the west and the north and the south: and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. And behold, they are last that shall be first: and they are first that shall be last. (Luke 13:22-30)

Reflection:

He knows what is in every heart. He knows the intent of every word, whether it be for selflessness or twisted for purposes of selfishness. He knows every smile and every greeting, whether they are sincere with love or hiding an agenda of exploitation. He will leave to their consequences the partizans of evil, but to the faithful, He will open the gates to His kingdom. Those who come to Him will know His glory and His love for the children of His creation. Those who come to Him will know His blessings and will seek to spread the good news of His Word. Blessed are the faithful, for His mercy and love will fill their hearts.

His call requires discipline of the heart. It is easy to give words of love, but the actions of love require sacrifice. The devotion He asks is the devotion of love. If love is in every heart, blessings will flow to every soul. In a world of temptations, He sees in the hearts of those who speak and rebukes those who are not true. His way is not so to oppress, but to free each soul from the slavery of sin.

All are called, but who will heed? Words may pass lips, but actions will reveal what is in the heart. He continues to call all who wander the world, but how many will understand the blessings of His call? His sacrifice was for all, yet so many fail to understand. They do not comprehend what was done for them. They do not comprehend that the hour is coming where the gate shall be closed. They do not comprehend what is lost the further they separate themselves from Him.

Those who set themselves before others shall find themselves alone. Those who have not loved shall find themselves empty. Those who have walked away from the light shall be lost in the dark. The leaders of violence and the oppressors of people will be left to the torments of evil. The hour will come when He will gather those who have followed His commandments to love, for what better way for the children of His creation to express their belief in their Savior, but to live by His Word. Blessed are those who believe, for they will live forever in the warmth of the light and forever know the blessings of His love.

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier