READING: 1 Kings 6, 2 Chronicles 2, 1 Timothy 1
The longer I serve in ministry—now close to 40 years—the more I’m amazed that God called me in the first place. I’m convinced that God called me to preach His Word on the same day He saved me. That call was dramatic for me, and I’ve never forgotten it. What strikes me is that God called me knowing my rebellion before I met Him and also knowing my disobedience to come after my conversion and calling. He knows my heart better than I do—and still He called me.
The Apostle Paul often considered the grace of God so evident in his own calling, too. In today’s New Testament reading, just a few words in 1 Timothy 1:12-13 capture what I call “the grace of contrast”: “appointing me to the ministry—even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man” (emphasis added). God appointed Paul to ministry even though his past had been evil and destructive. God’s grace trumped Paul’s rebellion.
God calls us even though . . . and that’s good news!
PRAYER: “God, I’m still amazed by Your gracious calling.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Kings 7, 2 Chronicles 4, Psalm 44, 1 Timothy 2
