God has used Oswald Chambers as a conduit probing the applications and explanations of deeper spiritual/biblical truth. His sermons were carefully recorded by his stenographer wife Biddy and compiled into the devotional that has helped bring insight and clarity to many preachers and teachers of the Word. It was first published in 1927, translated into 39 languages; in its 97 years of publication over 13 million copies have gone out world wide. Many of Chambers' messages have direct application for those called to Bible exposition and preaching. He was the Principal of the Bible Training College in London. But his spiritual insights go beyond those called in pastoral or mission ministries...insights and challenges we all face as part of the body of Christ.

Several weeks ago I was preaching out of Colossians 1 where the inspired Apostle highlighted some the characteristics of those called by God to the responsibilities of pastor/teacher. In my message I had to try to explain what being “called” to this role was about. Pretty much an impossible task...it's so personal...so unique...so private...so improbable...that it's hard to explain. Jeremiah put it this way - “in my heart it becomes like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; And I am weary of holding it in, And I cannot prevail. (Jeremiah 20:9) Paul tried to explain it - “For if I proclaim the gospel, I have nothing to boast, for I am under compulsion. For woe is me if I do not proclaim the gospel. (1 Corinthians 9:16)

Today's My Utmost for His Highest is an example of Chamber's gift of clarification regarding deeper, spiritual realities...in this case, the calling of a pastor/teacher:

“Never choose to be a worker for God. But if God has called you, watch out that you don't “turn to the right or the left” (Proverbs 4:27). We aren't here to work for God because we have chosen to do so; we're here because Christ Jesus has taken hold of us. Now that we are in his service, we no longer wonder whether or not we're cut out for it; we no longer think about what we'd like to preach. What we preach is determined by God, not by our natural inclinations.

Keep your soul steadily related to God and remember why you have been called—not only to give personal testimony but to preach the gospel. Every Christian must testify, but Christians who have received the call to preach have an added responsibility: they must endure the agonizing grip of God's hand on their lives. Your life is in the grip of God for one thing and one thing only: to answer his call. How many of us are held like that?

Never water down the word of God. Preach it in its undiluted sternness, with unflinching loyalty. But when it comes to dealing with your fellow human beings, remember who you are: not a special being set above the rest, but a sinner saved by grace, a sinner who has yet to obtain the prize. “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).”

Not many of us are called to the role of pastor/teacher (1 Corinthians 12:28-30), but God has called each of us to be an ambassador of Jesus Christ. Whatever your calling it will also be personal; unique; private; improbable...hard to explain. Wherever God has placed us, that's where we “must endure the agonizing grip of God's hand on their lives. Your life is in the grip of God for one thing and one thing only: to answer his call.”

My prayer for you and me this day is this: Lord, we must respond to Your calling on our lives. Keep us quiet before You so that we would hear Your call for each of us. May we be found faithful looking forward to the rewards You have promised to each of us. Amen

Walk with the King today and be a blessing.