The divine call is how God brings Christians into the public ministry. This morning we looked at the calling doctrine and practices of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Pastor Fred is currently holding a divine call to Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Lakewood Ranch, FL.
All of us suffer from the same malady. We’re sinners! What can God do with the likes of us who fail and rebel against a holy God every day? He forgives us. He changes our hearts and makes us willing to change our lives for him. The prophet Isaiah didn’t think he was worthy for his calling. God changed him. In a vision there was an angel in heaven who went to the altar taking a burning coal. He took the coal and touched Isaiah’s lips. See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.
That’s when the Lord asks the question, Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” God draws out the fruit of faith. He wants to give Isaiah a chance to respond. And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” It is that willing heart filled with God’s love and faith in the risen Lord that moves the members of his kingdom to serve his church as full time public ministers of the gospel.
Want to hear more? Watch this week’s study on The Divine Call.