The Call | Called to Serve

Sermon by Ps. Paul Aragon

Adapted By Rev. Nicholas Sybrowsky

Invocation:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who've trespassed against us. Lead us not into temptation but empower us with deliverance. For Yours is the kingdom, the glory and the honor forever and ever. Amen.

Intro

Today I would like to talk about a life changing topic. For some this message will have a general impact and for others a more specific impact with lifelong implications.

Played the for first two minutes.

Let’s begin with a few thoughts from the sports world. The American game of football appeals to many people. For example, there are more than 1 million high school football players across the USA and these young athletes draw thousands of spectators into stadium bleachers as the Fall weather arrives. Most of those 1M dream of playing at the next level. Statistics say that only 6% percent of those players go on to an NCAA program. Then the jump from the college ranks to the NFL is even bigger with only 1.5% entering the NFL and playing at the highest level. For those that do, it is very special.

Consider for a moment, the NFL draft, which is an intense process by which college players become professional. Over 3 days, draft eligible players eagerly wait to be called by an NFL team. When that moment arrives, it is characterized by a call and an announcement from the voice of the NFL Commissioner saying, “with the first pick of the 2021 draft the Jacksonville Jaguars pick Trevor Lawrence, QB Clemson.” From the moment a player receives the call from the team’s General Manager or Coach, everything changes. Lives are turned upside down. Many of these 6’5”, 285-pound young men cry, others sit speechless. What a wonderful moment to behold.

The Draft Day call is just the beginning of many changes that will transpire — such as a declaring a new allegiance to the team headquarters, sitting under the tutelage of a coach, participation in painful disciplines and of course learning and executing the play book. All of this, to steward the opportunity of a lifetime!

Can you imagine what it’s like to be drafted? Not into the NFL but the Kingdom of God. My heart was touched like a college player on draft day. Wow, I couldn’t believe it when God called my name. I am still in awe that God called me to play for his team. My life has greatly changed since that special moment.

[Coin Isaiah 43:1 "I have called you by name, you are mine". I won't get into the finer details, but wow! Serving in the church choir later soothed the new burden to share the Gospel because I lacked the ability to articulate my spiritual awakening & born-again experience.]

Will you lean in and listen to something really big? God is building a team and he is calling upon people like you and me to play in the most important game in history. It is a game of [winning souls for eternal life or losing souls eternal death]. God is building a franchise and He’s drafting people like you and me to engage at the highest level! Join me as we walk the path to the draft and learn more about call of God.

Selah

God’s first round draft pick was a man named Abram and later renamed Abraham. His family story starts in Genesis 11 and covers the remainder of the book. When God calls Abraham, he is not very impressive, at least not according to the book of Joshua.

Joshua 24:2-3 Joshua said to all the people,

“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Long ago your ancestors, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the Euphrates River and worshiped other gods. 3 But I took your father Abraham from the land beyond the Euphrates and led him throughout Canaan and gave him many descendants. I gave him Isaac," ~Joshua 24:2-3 (NIV)

When God calls Abraham the first time, his family is spiritually confused, like so many people today. His father, Terah is described as an idolater — a polytheist. They live in a really dark place. On paper Abraham just does not seem to be the kind of person worthy of a first-round draft pick or the type of person to build a great team around. But God calls him anyway.

Let’s go deeper into the life and calling of Abraham.

Main Text:

[1] Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: [2] And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: [3] And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. [4] So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram [was] seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. [5] And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came. [6] And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite [was] then in the land. [7] And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him. [8] And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, [having] Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD. [9] And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south. [Gen 12:1-9 KJV]

1. The Initial Call

Acts 7:1-4

“...Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Harran. 3 ‘Leave your country and your people,’ God said, ‘and go to the land I will show you.’ 4 “So he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Harran..." ~Acts 7:2-4 (NIV)

When God speaks to Abraham it is simple and direct, “Leave your country and your people.”(Gen 12:1; Acts 7:3) Ur of the Chaldeans and the area of general region of Mesopotamia was a place very familiar to Abraham. He likely went to elementary, middle and high school there and possibly a bit of junior college. He ate Chaldean food, spoke with a Chaldean accent, and wore the latest Chaldean clothing styles. Surrounded by family and friends, Mesopotamia was home. To leave an ancient society, was a big deal. They were not travelers like we are today, and the norm was to have a family and live for generations in one place. God was poking Abraham to leave his cozy little world for an unfamiliar world about 1000 miles away. He was being asked to exchange a lifetime of familiarity for a future of unfamiliarity.

When God calls you or me, it is rarely to do something that is comfortable, normal or familiar. As strange as it may sound, He speaks to human hearts. In most instances, God uses his supernatural qualities to convey a divine message, it’s a personal call to join the franchise. In NFL terms, God drafts Abraham out of Ur of the Chaldeans with the 1st round pick.

Ur of the Chaldeans is one of those funny Old Testament names, often times passed over. Most Old Testament words contain great meaning when translated from Hebrew to English. Ur means flames and Chaldeans, translates to destruction. If you put the words together Abraham was living in the midst of "flames and destruction.” He was in a very bad place spiritually. When God calls us, our lives are not much different. The New Testament teaches that we are alienated from God. We are objects of wrath but God who is rich in love and mercy rescues us. God’s greatest work happens where the flames and destruction are most intense.

Like Abraham, He has already scouted you out! God knows your number and knows how to get your attention. God is very much aware of where his draft picks are playing. David was seemingly lost in the pasture [(See 1 Sam. 17; 17:14-20)]. Saul was on the wrong road to unjustly persecute believers (See Acts 9, 9:4; 26: 12-16). God spoke to Samuel while in bed (See 1 Samuel 3) and Isaiah was swept up into vision that cemented his calling (See all of Isaiah 2:1; 21:1-2; 22:1; 22:5; 29:7 and 29:11. Prophecies fulfilled in Christ's first advent 117 according to Zondervan). Then there is Esther who discerned her calling through extraordinary circumstances (See Est 4:14). These people, who look like you, act like me and smell just like us, heard the call of God and when your moment comes so will you.
Hearing God is unusual, at least at first and in most cases God’s top prospects need the call repeatedly which brings us to our next thought.

2. The Second Call

Abraham and Sarah packed their bags and journeyed towards Canaan, some 1000 miles away. Genesis 11:31 notes the family arrived in Harran and settled there. Harran was 600 miles in the right direction, but it was 400 miles short of Canaan. The problem was not stopping in Harran, after all it was on the way, but settling. They dug in, planted roots and settled 400 miles short of the goal. There will always be a temptation to be partially obedient to the call of God. There are many opportunities to be 2/3’s in and 1/3rd out — only achieving a fraction of what God desires.

The temptation to settle in Harran is understandable. It feels much better than Ur, anything is better than “flames and destruction.” But Harran is not much better. Harran translated means “dry and fruitless.” Harran is a move in the right direction, but it is not Canaan. Harran is that place where we got tired, took a break and forgot about the game. It’s that place we think, “I have come so far,” but in reality, it is not far enough. So, what do you suppose God does when his first-round draft pick starts squandering his potential?

The Lord reiterates the call. Take a look.

According to Acts 7:1 the first call occurs in Mesopotamia several years prior to Genesis 12.

The second call comes from Harran.

Genesis 12:1 The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.

The second time around, God does not say to the settled Abraham—you’re out, he says the exact opposite—you’re in! God says go. Please hear me, God loves you too much to leave you dry and barren. [Each of you have that common life force within that I spoke of last week's sermon.] That divine wooing deep inside you is saying get going.

Just outside of Harran was a road sign, Canaan 400 miles ahead.

Genesis12:4-9 So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.

V.5 draws particular attention to the promise land arrival. After all those broken and imperfect steps, they arrived—8 years—1000 miles later having traveled along the Euphrates River and through the fertile crescent of the Middle East. I wonder what it was like when their sandals contacted promise land dirt. Did the skies open, did angel sing, did the heavens rain down Chick-fil-A Sandwiches [made by the Dinner Bell]?

So, what happens next? With the remainder of our time I would like to highlight the places you must visit while pursuing the call.

Genesis12:6-9 Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7 The LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him. 8 From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD. 9 Then Abram set out and continued toward the Negev.

These 4 verses represent at least 4 places Abraham and Sarah had to visit while pursing the call. There is much to learn about your calling from these places. As we work through these verses, you will see that Old Testament names and places have significant meaning and carry deep spiritual parallels for every draft pick.

3. Here are the 4 stops you [likely] must make while pursuing the call:

Stop #1 is Moreh (pronounced More-rey)

Across the border of the Canaan there was great tree named Moreh and it was the place where Abraham made camp. The Hebrew translation means instruction, and the text implies he made his camp at the great tree of instruction. This is interesting, Abraham has 75 years of life under his belt. He knew how to handle money, breed animals, he knew how to manage employees and travel across the country. What can God teach a person that 75 years of living cannot?

Anyone who is serious about the call will need time in the classroom. There is much gain from Bible College and higher education and there are things that only God can teach us.

[After 2 years of learning to follow Jesus, I decided to go to church based seminary at the Potomac School of Ministry, instead of working a bachelor’s degree toward Ecology. I learned a lot during that devotion of 5 years. The Biblical Certificate gave me a boost of confidence in being a disciple of Jesus. Upon credential awarding, I thought "I’m ready to build a great franchise for God". But the Lord somewhat sidelined me, benching me for the next 5 years. I waited eagerly to preach from a pulpit while working as US Navy Sailor. Then it occurred to me I had a few more courses to complete and some deeper lessons to learn. The Co-vocational volunteering & Seminary didn’t offer the kind of classes one learns at Moreh. I needed to spend more time at the great tree to learn brokenness, humility and waiting on God.]

As you pursue the calling, the first stop is the great tree. Moreh has a way of teaching you the deep things of God. It is there you will be equipped for your calling.

Stop #2 is Shechem

The great tree of Moreh means instruction and the land surrounding the tree means strength. Shechem translates, strength. At this time Abraham’s calling needed more muscle, more instruction and spiritual strength. Why? The promise land was competitive. Canaan had a winning franchise, the Canaanites.

Abraham's team was small in comparison to the Canaanite crew. He had Sarah, a nephew named Lot, several servants or hired hands. The undersized Abraham needed strength, so God spoke and said, this is your land, I am giving it to you. That big promise was packed with power. Without divine assurance, Abraham would have likely turned around and regressed back to Harran. The battle for the land was about to begin.

Your calling must be strengthened and that is why great players spend time at Shechem. After adequate time there, you will be able take more broken and imperfect steps towards the call. Look at v.8

8 From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east.

Stop #3 is Ai (pronounced “I”) and Bethel

Abraham has moved further North, deeper into the call of God, where he is now camped between two places. From his tent, he can see Bethel on the West and Ai on the East. The cities were 1.5 miles a part. Topographical maps and modern excavation show that Bethel was the higher place. It was set up on top of a mountain (a hill by Colorado or Utah standards).

As a tent camper Bethel would have required much more physical labor to reach. Ai was the lower ground with much easier access. This is a great visual of the tension we experience while pursuing the call. Ai translates “ruins” and implies a place that is fragile, broken and ruinous. Bethel stands in contrast and translates “house of God,” representing something strong, whole and intact. Your calling is often worked out in between those two places. The choices we make are influenced by those places.

Again, the literary comparison in the story is striking. The higher ground is where God wants you. It is much more difficult dirt to settle. If it feels like you are trying to carry your calling up a hill, you are likely closer to Bethel than Ai. If it feels like you are breaking a sweat, struggling to steward the call, you’re much closer to Bethel than Ai. If obeying God’s voice feels like work, you are likely making progress towards Bethel. Listen up #1 pick, don’t settle for the way of least resistance. Park your tent and your calling in Bethel.

Tent living would be the norm for Abraham and his sons Isaac and Jacob would follow the lifestyle. Even when the family became wealthy, they remained dwelling in tents. Why? Hebrews 11 describes Abraham in search of a city whose architect and builder is God. His calling continually points forward. He got really good at pursuing the call. The permanence that he sought after could only come from a perfect franchise.

Consider one more contrast, we read that Abraham temporarily pitched tents but permanently made altars. The word altar in the text means an elevated place. The process of making a raised altar was similar to making a massive retaining wall on your property. A builder would take natural stones and stack several courses high---one rock upon another. The heavy work was to be permanent and the goal, to build big enough so as to visit and revisit. The following chapter tells us Abraham would return to the altar he built between Ai and Bethel throughout his lifetime and so would his sons. Here is my point, the call of God is worked out around the altar and it is from there your calling will flourish!!!

Abraham lived in a tent as if his life where temporary and he built altars as if his worship were permanent.

The final stop, #4 is the Negev.

Verse 9, Then Abram set out and continued toward the Negev. The translation of this word is not so helpful, but the geography is. The Negev is a triangular-shaped piece of land on the south side of the Canaan. That southern point marked Abraham’s entrance to the land. As he traveled North through the Negev the triangular shaped land widened taking him into Judea and Samaria, the biblical heart land. This is the place where Abraham played the game at the highest level. He was picked by God to serve on that ground and fulfill the great calling upon his life.
Each broken and imperfect step he took through the Negev represented a continual movement in the right direction. The question that every called person needs to be asking is “am I headed in the right direction?” “ Am I walking into the calling God has place upon my life?"

As we draw our time to a close, let’s consider how this first round draft pick did. Was he a boom or bust? Did he become a franchise player or not? In Hebrews chapter 11, both Abraham and Sarah are named as members of the Hall of Faith. It’s this prestigious chapter listing all the great people of faith—sort of like the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio for the best NFL players. Abraham won a few Super Bowls, and he ended his career in the Hall of Faith among some of the greatest saints. [Not with really large Super Bowl rings and championship rings, but Crowns, the crowns of life, eternal life.]

God took a chance on a pick that most would have passed up. God took him from flames and destruction, from dry and barren place calling him not once, but twice and then used him to start the Hebrew nation and become the father of faith.
God is building a winning team, and he is drafting players to represent the greatest franchise ever. For some, perhaps even some here today, God is calling you to a specific role.

If that is you, if you sense his call today, I would like to pray with you[ and maybe connect you to resources and provide you an opportunity to respond. Receive a free copy of Explore the Call. Books can likely still be provided to you for free by the Network (As of 9/2023).

Excellent to observe with your Pastor/Mentor click Amazon link here for more about it or hear for more from the author Gene Roncone.

Altar Call/Suggested Response:

[By show of hands, comments online or a phone call or email later; who might be sensing this call to be drafted?}

Our church is planning to launch a seminary scholarship within the 2025 year. (Invitation to apply to scholarship program coming soon!)

[Prayer:

God almighty God, merciful & kind in all of Your ways. Almighty means enormous God, Omniscient means All-knowing God, Omnipotent means All-powerful, Omnipresent means everywhere present. Hollowed be thy name, we need You, we want You & we love You. Help us to cull our ministry. In agriculture as the harvest matures, we enter into a phase of season where livestock is separated, and the parts & pieces of plants are trimmed and prepared & cut for market. It’s a culling out of the ready harvest. Separating those who are ready for service and those that are continuing to prepare. Lead us with good judgment, grant us the judgment we need to cull our ministry and empower us to do Your perfect will. For those who hear the call and are struggling to answer, those who might be struggling to recognize Your call within them LORD, sensitize their hearts & minds. Grow them into trees that bear good fruit. Jesus said they will know you by the fruit that you bear. May the fruit that we bear as trees be Love, joy, peace…and may we propagate this kind of fruit. May we stimulate this kind of growth in others. Take the seeds that we’ve planted, nourish the soil and grow us into True Disciples that bear good fruit and bring You honor and Glory oh’ LORD. AMEN.

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