Called to Serve

KEY VERSE: “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth, I have put my Spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles” —Isaiah 42:1

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 42:1-9

THE PROPHET ISAIAH was a faithful servant of God, and through his words we learn about those whom God has called to serve him. “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him.”—Isa. 42:1, New International Version

What does it mean to be called to serve God? Are we inclined to ask, “Am I the one you are calling?” “Did you mean to call someone else?” “Why me, Lord?” The Bible is full of instances where servants of God asked these same questions, and Isaiah says that God can call anyone into his service.

When God called upon Moses to be his servant tolead Israel out of Egyptian bondage, Moses responded, “Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exod. 3:11) Moses felt inadequate for God’s service, but after being assured of God’s ever-abiding presence, he accepted God’s challenge and accomplished great things.

Samuel at first mistook God’s voice for the High Priest, Eli. The account tells the story of how Samuel, once he recognized the voice as the call of God, dedicated himself to God’s service. He, like Moses, spent the remainder of his life in response to God’s call.—I Sam. 3.

The Bible tells many such stories of people called by God, and how they responded to that call. It teaches us that God can call us to be his servants as well. How do we answer the call? How should we behave? What should we do? The prophet gave us a clue when he described how the suffering servant is to go about accomplishing the work God has given him. “He will not cry or lift up his voice. … He will not grow faint or be crushed.” In other words, the servant will do his work quietly and patiently, without drawing attention to himself. There will be no recognition, no awards, no fanfare. Just the servant, patiently persevering in work that must often have seemed overwhelming.—Isa. 42:2-4, New Revised Standard Version

We may find it difficult at times to do the Lord’s work under these circumstances, but God is gracious in giving us the example of his only begotten Son. Jesus’ preaching was marked by dignity and meekness, acknowledging God always and self never. He found it unnecessary to shout his message, and he failed to get discouraged in the service of the Heavenly Father, even when facing extreme persecution. This was possible because God had anointed him with his Spirit.

And so it is with us. “I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee.” (vs. 6) Isaiah makes it clear that God has chosen us for his service, and will leave us neither unprotected nor unprepared. When we answer God’s call, we gain spiritual vision through the begettal of God’s Holy Spirit. “Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.” (vs. 9) Our eyes are no longer blinded.

The servant who responds to God’s call, comes to glorify the Lord in a modest way. These servants persevere. When called to serve God, we are changed forever!

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