The third kind of call Jesus Christ issues today is the special one. The first call included all people, the second included all Christians, but the third one is issued only to those who are especially handpicked by Jesus Christ for certain tasks. Those tasks may include full-time ministry such as pastoral or missionary work, but they need not. They may be just as brief and direct as the call of Ananias. “The Lord Jesus … has sent me” (Acts 9:17). For what? “That you [Saul of Tarsus] may regain your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit” (v. 17). Once his necessary ministry was finished, Ananias quietly disappeared.
The special call deals with the direction and use of life. Jesus Himself is a perfect example of that call. He said of the Father, “He personally sent Me” (John 7:29, Berkeley, italics added). Whereas the first two calls are general, this one is highly specialized in that both task and choice are decided in heaven, not on earth, and the chosen one is given to understand that he is wanted. Paul was tapped on the shoulder this way (Acts 9:15), and so was Simon Peter (John 21:19). So have many thousands of others. A high honor indeed!
The Bible warns me against handpicking myself. The “rebellion of Korah” (Jude 11) was born in an attempt to oust Moses and assume his place of leadership. That provoked God because Korah was attempting to do what only God should do: handpick people for certain tasks. I must be careful not to push people into full-time service; only God can push.
Where am I in God’s “calling program” today? Have I found rest in believing, have I resigned my rights and become His disciple? If I have, I will hear Him say, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong … for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service” (1 Timothy 1:12).
Daily with the King 