Today’s lessons have been taken from Exodus 4: 1-10 and II Corinthians 12: 1-10.Exodus 4 informs us about Moses’ call and commission by God.
Who am I that I should go unto Pharoh. For Pharoh was about the greatest king in the world then. He was holding a position that was equivalent to that of the President of The United States. For a slave and more seriously, a fugitive offender to be commissioned to challenge such a king is almost unthinkable, but Moses was commissioned by Almighty God, the only King of Kings and Lords of Lords. When you are truly commissioned by God, you are having the backing of the Supreme power of heavens behind you. Every other power is irrelevant .And Moses said unto God, “Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?” “I AM THAT I AM” said the Lord.

Again, Moses gave six other excuses why God should leave him alone and look for somebody else to send, but God was never impressed by the excuses. Despite all the signs and wonders shown by God to convince Moses, he remained recalcitrant. Moses finally told God clearly in verse 13, I am not interested in this mission please look for somebody else and God’s anger was kindled – against him.

Such was the situation with Gideon, Jeremiah, Jonah, Elijah and even Paul, the great apostle of old. They were all forced into the ministry by the powerful hand of God against their will. Other biblical leaders, though not forced, never expected or worked for the call. They were simply called when they least expected. God’s calling is certainly not a recognition of human might, wisdom, dedication or intellect but simply of his grace and “by my spirit” said the lord of hosts. Zech. 4:6. Three characteristics are common in all those that are called by God: humility, purity of mind, and zeal.

These reluctant and indifferent men of God called and commissioned by Christ are often powerful and successful leaders. Their callings are often accompanied by divine signs and miracles. However, those who aspire and climb up the ladder through strategic mischief and calculated carnal devices of men are often poor leaders. Follower-ship is achieved through lying, deception, undeserved cheap favor and confusion. They are known for ignoring integrity and compromising righteousness to get to power and remain in power. Their ministry is never established and their end leave no mark on the sand of time.

If you are called, your infirmities, and weaknesses, are no barriers; for Christ said unto Paul, “my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” The question is: Are you really called by God or by your personal desire and design? May the good Lord of Sabbath bless you all (Amen).

ASE Joseph O Olorunnisola.
Head USA Diocese - Region A