Have you ever had a hymn that just pops up and it’s stuck in your head? This week’s Lectionary Readings share a common theme of calling so I’ve been thinking about that and the hymn Jesus Calls Us came to mind. Often in our connection we talk about people experiencing a “Call” to ministry that may include becoming an Elder, Deacon or Licensed Local Pastor. Others of us may feel called to serve the church professionally as a lay person. For many, the call is not a career, but we all have the shared vocation of listening for God’s voice and finding the courage to use our gifts for God by using our voice, hands and feet. Through baptism, we are each called to serve God and others, one way or another.
You are invited to read the text of the hymn “Jesus Calls Us” using a prayerful posture, slowly and with an openness to hear what God might be saying to you in these words.
Jesus calls us; o’er the tumult of our life’s wild, restless sea; day by day His sweet voice soundeth, saying, “Christian, follow me.” Jesus calls us from the worship of the vain world’s golden store, from each idol that would keep us, saying, “Christian, love me more.”
In our joys and in our sorrows, days of toil and hours of ease, still He calls, in cares and pleasures, ”Christian, love me more than these.” Jesus calls us– by Thy mercies, Savior, may we hear Thy call; give our hearts to Thine obedience, serve and love Thee best of all.
For Reflection:
Are there idols that you love more than Jesus? In what ways are you feeling called to follow Jesus?
In Matthew 4:18-22, we read the story of Jesus calling the first disciples and we witness their obedience to follow, simply and without question. Let it be so with us as well.
Peace y’all,
To print or share this message, you are encouraged to use this pdf:
Jesus Calls Us
To read past editions – you are encouraged to follow this link:
https://capitaldistrictnc.org/claire-ificaton/
