Scripture paints a very clear picture of people being singled out, and called into relationship with The Father.
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit, fruit that will last and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.~ John 15:16
Jesus approached those He wanted to join Him in His ministry.
Many declined his invitation whereas Peter, Mark, Luke, Matthew, and John accepted His invitation staying with Him, remaining loyal even after His crucifixion.
Paul of Tarsus was called into fellowship with The Christ, after His crucifixion.
There were those who lost interest choosing to leave the companionship of Jesus.
I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me;
I was found by those who did not seek me.
To a nation that did not call on my name,
I said, Here am I, here am I.
~ Isaiah 65:1
We are called by our name that we may understand that Our Father knows us intimately from the moment of our conception, until death rewards us with everlasting life at His side.
The call to follow The Saviour will be clear. Our choice to accept, or decline.
Those who decline understand that the invitation remains open to acceptance, should later in life they reconsider their earlier decision.
But the gatekeeper opens the gate for the shepherd, and he goes in through it.
The sheep know their shepherd’s voice.
He calls each of them by name and leads them out.
~ John 10:3
end
Responses