What a privilege it is to have the calling of the Lord in our lives, it is special to be chosen by our great and mighty God, to take his word wherever there is life. The purpose of our God is that everyone can reach salvation and eternal life.
Matthew chapter 10, verse 5, shows us those great servants chosen by God, those who did not hesitate to follow the Master. God called them so that when His days on earth were soon to end, they would be the ones to continue carrying the gospel of Christ and so that the word of the Lord would be spread.
Jesus clearly told them to go to those lost sheep, that is, those of the house of Israel. There he said the following:
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
Matthew 10:5
The Lord’s command to the disciples was very clear, that is why they were sent out, with the full backing of the Lord, they knew that they would suffer greatly in carrying the gospel.
The Lord was reminding them through these words, that He is the only one who can deliver the demoniac, the hungry and thirsty, the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the leper, because the kingdom of heaven was at hand and they had to return to the Lord. This was the mission of the disciples.
Being called by God is never a matter of human merit, but of divine grace. The disciples did not choose Jesus; it was Jesus who chose them. In the same way, today the Lord continues to call men and women to serve Him, not because of their perfection, but because of His mercy and love. When God calls, He also equips, strengthens, and sustains those who answer His voice with obedience.
The instruction to go first to the lost sheep of Israel reveals the orderly and purposeful plan of God. The promise of salvation was first announced to the people who had received the law and the prophets, so that they might recognize the Messiah. This does not mean exclusion, but divine order, because later the gospel would reach all nations, fulfilling God’s eternal plan of redemption.
The disciples were sent with authority, not their own, but authority given by the Lord. They were witnesses of His power, His compassion, and His truth. They had seen Him heal the sick, restore the brokenhearted, and forgive sins. Now they were entrusted with the responsibility to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven was near, calling people to repentance and faith.
This mission was not without difficulties. Jesus warned them that persecution, rejection, and hardship would accompany their obedience. Yet, even in suffering, they were not alone. The presence of God went with them, reminding us that obedience to the call of the Lord often requires sacrifice, but it also brings eternal reward and spiritual growth.
Today, the calling of God continues to be relevant for every believer. While not all are called to travel or preach publicly, all are called to live according to the gospel, reflecting Christ in their actions, words, and attitudes. Sharing the message of salvation can be done through daily testimony, acts of love, and faithfulness to God’s Word.
Let us remember that the same Lord who sent the twelve disciples sends us today. He remains the source of power, wisdom, and guidance. Our responsibility is to listen, obey, and trust in Him, knowing that the harvest is great and the need for the gospel remains urgent in a world that desperately needs the hope found in Christ.