Uniquely His and Called

“The Lord said to Abram,.. ‘I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing’… He brought him outside and said, ‘Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them… So shall your offspring be.’” Genesis 12:1-2; 15:5

“[King David said,] ‘And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. Be careful now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it…

“Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished.” 1 Chronicles 28:9-10,20

Abraham received God’s promise by faith, and bore only one son by Sarah to carry the promised seed. Generations later, David had many sons, but the Lord had named Solomon as his successor. He wanted Solomon to know that his was no arbitrary naming or position or privilege, but a unique calling from God to carry on His work and promise. (1 Chronicles 3:1-9; 28:3-7)

We can have seasons of early, eager waking, yet without particular inspiration or defined direction. Clouds roll in, portending moisture, adding chaos to disorder, yet even these in movement and hue are measured and meaningful. The Lord is present in all weather with ongoing purposes to fulfill. His is a way of order and meaning. (1 Corinthians 14:33)

He bestows a bounty of hours designed to be purposeful and honoring to their Craftsman. Since God knows the number of our days and is intimately acquainted with our ways, He has assigned specific meaning to our time on earth. The Master is at work, and we are beckoned to step as stewards into His masterpiece and join Him. (Psalm 139:1-3,15-16; 147:4)

The priorities of this mighty, all-wise King are right, His purposes righteous, His gifts benevolent and generous. How familiar are we with His ways and guidance? Have we grown complacent, having ‘done our duty’? Do we go about days and seasons carelessly, following winds of desire, opportunity, and fancy? Or do we diligently seek our Creator and where He would have us serve, then follow His lead with excellence, care, and a wholly devoted heart?

“A charge to keep I have, 
a God to glorify, 
a never-dying soul to save, 
and fit it for the sky. 

To serve the present age, 
my calling to fulfill, 
O may it all my pow’rs engage 
to do my Master’s will! 

Arm me with watchful care 
as in Thy sight to live, 
and now Thy servant, Lord, prepare 
a strict account to give!

Help me to watch and pray,
and still on Thee rely,
O let me not my trust betray,
but press to realms on high.” ~ Charles Wesley (1762)

Lord, help me take seriously Your promises and serve Your purposes.