Prayer-Soldier Newbie
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Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2017 7:22 pm Post subject: Those He Calls and Sends |
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Those He Calls and Sends
Scripture:
And he said to me: You are my servant Israel, for in you will I glory.
And now says the Lord, that formed me from the womb to be his servant, that I may bring back Jacob unto him, and Israel will not be gathered together: and I am glorified in the eyes of the Lord, and my God is made my strength. And he said: It is a small thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to convert the dregs of Israel. Behold, I have given you to be the light of the Gentiles, that you may be my salvation even to the farthest part of the earth. (Isaiah 49:3, 5-6)
Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes a brother, to the church of God that is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that invoke the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place of theirs and ours. Grace to you and peace, from God our father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:1-3)
The next day, John saw Jesus coming to him; and he said: Behold the Lamb of God. Behold him who takes away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said: After me there comes a man, who is preferred before me: because he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he may be made manifest in Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John gave testimony, saying: I saw the Spirit coming down, as a dove from heaven; and he remained upon him. And I knew him not: but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me: He upon whom you shall see the Spirit descending and remaining upon him, he it is that baptizes with the Holy Spirit. And I saw: and I gave testimony that this is the Son of God. (John 1:29-34)
Reflection:
From time to time, we should think about the purpose for which God created us. Why did He form us in the womb? What expectation did our Creator have for us? What does He desire that we do and whom does He look for us to influence?
We see in scripture those God called to prophecy and to inform the people of His Word. We see in scripture those whom God raised up to lead nations and protect the people. In scripture, we see those whom God raised up to save the multitudes from famine. In scripture, we see those whom God raised up to help bring into the world His only begotten Son. In scripture and subsequent history, we see those whom God raised up to spread His gospel.
If the purpose for which we were created was determined by God before we were ever formed in the womb, (Psalm 139:13, Isaiah 44:2, 24, Jeremiah 1:5) then, as we lead our lives, we should ask in prayer that He guide us in how we may best serve the reason for which He created us. As we make the plans for our days, we should look for the doors the Lord opens to us and the doors He closes. ( Genesis 4:7, Isaiah 22:22, 45:1, Matthew 7:7-8, Acts 14:27, 1 Corinthians 16:9, 2 Corinthians 2:12, Revelation 3:7-8 ) Let us ask Him to guide our words and the works of our hands so that His will may be done.
God calls to the mighty and the lowly alike to be holy. He calls to sinners and seeks to turn our hearts to Him. (Psalm 25:8, Psalm 51:15, Matthew 9:13, Mark 2:17, Luke 5:32, Revelation 3:20) He does great things with those who turn to Him and keeps His commandments, not just prophets and kings or the rich and powerful, but also the weak, the meek, the poor and the afflicted. (Judith 9:11, Job 5:11, Psalm 69:33, Psalm 138:6, Isaiah 57:15, Zephaniah 3:12, Luke 1:52, John 9:1-3, Revelation 20:12)
And so it was, God formed John in the womb of his mother Elizabeth so that at the appointed time, John could herald the way for the Lord. (Luke 1:12-17) Even before John was born, he felt the presence of his Lord and leapt within the womb of his mother. (Luke 1:49-35) It was John who saw and proclaimed to all who would hear that Jesus was the Lamb of God sent unto us to take away the sins of the world. (John 1:29) It was John who made Jesus known to Israel. (John 1:30) It was John who was sent and testified that he had seen the Son of God, the man whom John baptized to fulfill the will of the Heavenly Father and upon whom the Holy Spirit rested. (John 1:33)
What, then, are we to do with this testimony? What was recorded in scripture happened so many years ago. What can it possibly mean for us today? It is the testimony of salvation. It is the testimony of truth so that all who hear, all who turn to Him, and all who believe in Him shall receive the blessing of His salvation.
The voice of John fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah. (Isaiah 40:3) He was the one who cried out to all who would hear to prepare for the Lord. (Matthew 3:3, Mark 1:3, Luke 3:4, John 1:23) It was a voice recorded in scripture. It is a voice with a message for us today. Let is, then, with the blessings of prayer, give thanks and praise for the One sent for our salvation. Let us, then, ask God what we may do in honor of Him. Let us, then, ask in prayer, how we may help one another make straight His paths.
Questions for further reflection:
In what ways do we hear the call of the Lord?
In what ways may we know what is of God?
What may we do to help fulfill His will?
May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier
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