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Your days at the most cannot be very long, so use them to the best of your ability for the glory of God and the benefit of your generation.
General William Booth
Image Source: https://www.bible.gallery/art/Giovanni-Battista-Tiepolo/The-Calling-of-Isaiah/661/art-info
Faithful to His Calling
Most people desire to have success and significance in their life. They want to achieve goals and make a difference by improving their current situation, livelihood and community. They want to be a change agent making things better in the present, for the future, and leave a legacy and reputation that is honourable.
Isaiah has been deemed a great prophet of the Old Testament, where he worked tirelessly to be a change agent, speaking God’s message, and have people turn from their evil ways. Yet during his life, it appeared he had little success in changing people’s mindset and actions, resulting in having little significance. His nation of Judah would eventually fall in defeat to the Babylonians and his land would become desolate. So why would he continue in a life’s calling that would seemingly have limited results?
It is because Isaiah had a calling from God. Even the name given to him by his parents foretold his calling and life’s message. Isaiah means ‘God saves.’ The people of Judah needed to hear the message that God is the hope of their salvation, as they were drifting further from living as people of God. They instead turned their attention to other gods and lived lives pleasing to themselves, without upholding God’s values.
Their northern neighbours, Israel, were also turning their back on God, and faced impending doom by the Assyrians, providing added warning to the citizens of Judah to turn from their evil ways. They needed to acknowledge God as their one and only true God and place their hope in Him alone.
“Here am I, Send Me.”
Isaiah 6:8
Isaiah ministered through the reign of four kings of Judah: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. His calling came in the year Uzziah died approximately in 742 BC and his ministry lasted throughout the remaining eight century BC. He was motivated to continue in his ministry due to his vivid personal calling from God to be his messenger. Isaiah had a vision of God himself sitting on his throne, a God more impressive than he could imagine, with even God’s train from his robe filling the temple.
There were heavenly beings with six wings flying around the throne and they called out declaring, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory,’ (Isaiah 6:3).
The holy God revealed himself to Isaiah, and Isaiah suddenly saw himself as compared to God, a human being who was unclean and who lived in a society of people who were not righteous. But God, through his faithfulness in bringing salvation, had a seraph, bring a coal from the altar to touch his lips and declare, ‘Your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for,’ (Isaiah 6:7). God saved him. He was absolved of his sins and God then directed him in his life’s mission.
God asked who would go and tell his people to turn to God and acknowledge him as the one true God. Who would go to deliver the message of God’s salvation? Who would be his messenger? And without a hint of hesitation, Isaiah proclaimed, ‘Here am I, Send Me,’ (Isaiah 6:8). Isaiah saw a vision of God, saw his need of God, was cleansed by God and now was ready to share God’s message. Whether he was effective or not was up to God, Isaiah was simply to be faithful in his ministry.
Isaiah was the son of Amoz, a brother to King Amaziah, making him a cousin to King Uzziah. He had a royal education resulting in his eloquent words and descriptive messages. He had perceived societal success and influence, but now with his calling and ministry, he would have lasting significance, beyond his lifetime, calling future generations and gentiles to place their hope and salvation in God.
Faithful like Isaiah
As believers in Christ, we have had encounters with God, we have been cleansed and called to share our salvation story with others. We are commissioned to action to be change agents for God’s glory. General John Gowans summed up the Christian commission to ‘save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity.’ Whether we are students, employed, home makers or retired, we share our Christian call and commission. For some this includes a life of ministry as a Salvation Army Officer. May we each be faithful, like Isaiah, in our calling and commission sharing the hope of our salvation found in Jesus Christ.
Let us search our hearts:
LIEUT. COLONEL NIGEL CROSS is the Chief Secretary of the Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand Territory. He has a passion for the call to discipleship and helping individuals in their spiritual formation.
Image Source: https://media.ascensionpress.com
Obedient Heart
When we study the character of Mary, 3 main attributes shine through. Her godliness consists of obedience, humility and faithfulness.
We are introduced to Mary in the Book of Matthew, where she is betrothed to be married to a man called Joseph. However, there was a crisis – Mary was found to be pregnant. We read that Joseph decided to quietly divorce her to save him all the trouble and shame.
But the angel of God appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him that the baby was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Which means that the baby is from God and Joseph is to give him the name Jesus.
We read in the book of Luke that the angel of God appeared to Mary and called her: “The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’” (Luke 1:28)
She was specially chosen by Creator God for this significant task to be the mother of the Saviour of the world.
He chose Mary among all the other women. In those days women did not have a prominent place in family and society, but the eyes of God were upon Mary. It was a great blessing to Mary to be chosen by God.
Mary believed what the angel of God said and surrendered completely to the will of God.
She was not worried about what will her future be with Joseph, what her family will say, or how the community around her will treat her. In her heart, this was God’s call upon her life and she needed to be obedient to please her Master.
It was not a fearful obedience, but a joyful obedience. That is why we see her singing, rejoicing, and praising God for choosing her.
When we obey God wholeheartedly, we surrender to His eternal plan for our life. Just like Mary, who was able to sing joyful songs of praise to our creator God.
At times we may find it difficult and troubling to obey when we cannot fully understand the future. But just like Mary we can be rest assured that obedience to God means that God is in total control of our entire life. Now Mary is called the most blessed woman on earth. If she had denied the call, she would have been forgotten by history.
Luke 11:27 says: As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you”
Great is the blessing for those who choose to obey God.
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered, “May it be to me as you have said”.
Luke 1:38
Humble Heart
Luke 1:38: “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered, “May it be to me as you have said”.
Luke 1:46-48: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant”.
Mary displayed a humble personality – she did not think highly of herself after she received the news from the angel. She realised that God had chosen her to fulfil His eternal plan not because of her background, social status, talent, or beauty. It was God who chose her.
Mary was humble when she faced trials. She needed to travel from Galilee to Judea when the Roman Empire decided to take the census. There was no place for her to deliver the baby.
After the child was born, many came to visit Him with gifts and shared words of blessings. The wise men, the shepherds, Simeon, and Anna were waiting for a long time for a Saviour to be born. They were all praising God and worshipping the baby.
Humbly, Mary treasured everything in her heart. She knew that everything was happening according to God’s redemptive plan.
Heart of Faith
John 2:1-3: On the third day, a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding.
When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to Him, “They have no more wine.”
And then in John 2:5, “His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever He tells you.’”
In the book of John, Mary, Jesus, and the disciples were attending a wedding and Mary came to know that the wine was no more. She became concerned and asked Jesus to help.
She knew with Jesus all things were possible. Her heart trusted Jesus completely. A beautiful miracle took place. Mary put her faith into practice and received what she wanted, not for herself, but for others. Her heart was kind to others.
Mary’s faith did not waver from the day the baby was conceived till Jesus was upon the cross and then was resurrected. Mary suffered greatly when she saw Him upon the cross. But her faith was so strong that she knows that Jesus is the Saviour of the World. She continued to live her life for Jesus in obedient faith with a humble heart.
Acts 1:14 tells us that “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”
Let us search our hearts:
MAJOR VIJAYA MUNIANDY is a devoted officer, wife, caring mother, and compassionate chaplain to high-risk youth. She loves connecting with people and guiding them towards a deeper understanding of the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. In her free time, she enjoys cooking delicious meals for her loved ones and reading books that broaden her perspective and enrich her soul.
Image source: https://tonymaritis.medium.com/why-did-jesus-entrust-mary-to-the-apostle-john-instead-of-to-his-brothers-cc25ab02e4b8
Apostle John, the son of Zebedee, holds a unique position as one of the first four disciples to follow Jesus. Throughout his journey with Christ, he demonstrated remarkable transformation and commitment. Despite being the youngest and having a fiery temperament, John was chosen and moulded by Jesus, serving as an exemplary model for discipleship.
From the outset, John’s life reflected the grace of God. His name, meaning ‘God is Gracious,’ mirrored the benevolence Jesus showered upon him by personally selecting him as a disciple. Jesus invested three years in shaping John and others, emphasising the importance of patience and intentional mentoring in the discipleship process.
Jesus’ honesty with John, whom he called the ‘son of thunder,’ highlighted his straightforward approach to discipleship. Like his father Zebedee, John’s fiery nature was evident when he called for fire upon the Samaritans who rejected Jesus. However, Jesus’ guidance allowed John to evolve, ultimately becoming a prolific writer of the Bible.
At the critical point of the cross, John proved his loyalty by caring for Jesus’ mother, Mary. This act showcased his commitment and marked a significant test in his followership. John later became a writer, penning the Gospel, three Epistles, and the Book of Revelation.
“ Even when it involves suffering, the need for truth in preaching is crucial to freeing people from the bondage of half-truths.”
Unlike the other disciples, John was not martyred, but carried on Jesus’ mission. His focus on love in his later years earned him the title of the beloved apostle. The transformation from a protective, fussy individual to a loving and transformed man showcased the power of Jesus’ influence.
In making an apostle, Jesus emphasised the importance of sharing in His suffering. The call to bear the cross becomes increasingly unpopular in a time dominated by prosperity-focused messages. Even when it involves suffering, the need for truth in preaching is crucial to freeing people from the bondage of half-truths.
John’s commitment to full-time ministry exemplifies the dedication required in following Jesus.
The apostolic success was rooted in prayer and intercession, principles that the early church faithfully followed. The partnership with Jesus and the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to fulfil the Great Commandment and Commission.
As we reflect on the transformative journey of Apostle John, it prompts us to consider crucial questions aligned with the Territorial Strategic Mission Plan (TSMP) Vision:
MAJOR KUNAM
Major Kunam is married to Major Vijaya – a dedicated Support Officer and Chaplain – who exemplifies the spirit of discipleship in his commitment to ministry and writing.
https://seedsoffaith.cph.org/2017/02/16/new-testament-2-lesson-12-jesus-walks-on-water/
Simon, son of John, comes into our radar in the Bible story as an ordinary, uneducated fisherman. His first contact with Jesus is through his brother Andrew, who introduces him to Jesus as the Messiah. Right then, Jesus names him ‘Peter’ meaning ‘rock’ (John 1:40-42).
Having met Jesus, Simon – now Peter – does not hesitate to accept Jesus’ call to follow Him and become a fisher of men with Andrew, James, and John (Matt 4:18-22). This is not a surprise if we understand that they have been waiting for the coming of the Messiah. For those of us who can relate to it, Peter’s response to Jesus represents the call on our life that we have been waiting for – to fulfil the meaning, purpose, and goal that God made us for.
And so Simon Peter begins his spiritual-formation journey that will show how he changes from a simple ‘Simon’ to ‘Peter’ because Jesus knew right from their first meeting how Peter would fulfil his God-designed destiny as a rock of Christ’s Church. It is an example of the new name Jesus gives to the one who will be His victorious disciple (Rev 2:17).
Peter’s learning curve as a disciple is not an easy one. It calls for following Jesus with a different mindset of God’s heavenly kingdom. Peter approaches each new experience and learning with his typical old self. It is a constant challenge for Peter, with his loud, brash, and assuming character, to know God, to make Him known to all men, and to be imitated by men as he reflects Jesus’s character.
Priority
Early on, Peter learns the lesson on priority. Jesus heals his mother-in-law, and immediately, the whole town seeks Him out to heal the sick and demon-possessed. Early the following day, Simon and the other disciples have a hard time looking for Jesus. He has kept His priority to protect His solitude with the heavenly Father. Besides that, when Simon tells him that “everyone is looking for you” He tells the disciples that His mission priority is to preach the kingdom of God. So He travels and makes disciples, preaching and driving out demons (Mark 1:35-39). Peter discovers that whatever may make Jesus, he and the other disciples needed, busy and popular, “doing God’s work” may not be what God wants them to prioritise.
Even as he learns about priority, Peter discovers what can happen when distracted. When Jesus allows him to walk on water, his focus is tested by seeing the waves and wind arousing his attention. Amid this “spiritual-high” experience, his human nature sabotages his faith. Jesus saves him, but rebukes his ‘little faith’. We can never be too confident of ourselves, even if we trust the Lord and walk with Him.
“ … if we refuse to learn through our own experience(s), we cannot enhance others – we have no substance to support them.”
Humility
Peter faces constant and countless lessons with each life experience even as he walks with Jesus and his fellow disciples. Some tasks can be learnt from others’ blunders (such as James and John asking for the positions of authority beside Jesus in His glory), others through personal mistakes, to keep him humble. There comes a time when Peter, through his learning and experiences with Jesus, grows confident in his commitment and faith. His blind spot leads him to believe that even if others abandon Him, he will die with Jesus. He fails to fulfil what he claims – he betrays Jesus. It is a significant blow to his self-esteem and pride to discover the difference between what he may have thought about himself and what he will do. By Jesus’ grace, Peter and his faith survive the setback – because Jesus has prayed for Peter in this shaking that Satan intends for him. And so Jesus asks Peter to strengthen his brothers when he returns from his fall. Peter’s personal experiences as a disciple become the foundation for him to strengthen other followers in their setbacks. One takeaway is that if we refuse to learn through our own experience(s), we cannot enhance others – we have no substance to support them. It may be hard on our pride, but our ability to hang on in our faith and service to God may be due to the intercession of Jesus (and others) and not our great faith or faithfulness.
Growth
Peter’s journey as a disciple transitions to apostleship, a time of ministry and leadership. It continues to be a life of lessons and self-discovery to grow on. Like Peter, as Jesus’ disciples, each of us needs to continually discover and learn where we need to grow, conform and transform. Even as a leader and apostle, Peter needed to be opposed and corrected by Paul for his double standard of eating with Gentile believers and separating himself from them when the circumcision group arrives (Galatians 2:11-14).
The life-long need to be humble is a lesson Peter learns early as a fisherman when he first begins to follow Jesus. When he obeys Jesus to let down his net to catch fish after an unsuccessful night on his own, he experiences a moment of epiphany: “…Lord; I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:1-11). Our foundations are as necessary to stabilise us as novice disciples as seasoned and sturdy pillars in Christ’s body, the Church.
Peter’s life of discipleship into apostleship confirms the truth of the many heroes of faith: God wants our availability and faithfulness; He alone provides the ability and the victory if we only hang on, as Peter does.
Thoughts for reflection:
ALFRED KOH
Alfred attends the Salvation Army Singapore Central Corps.
He conduct s weekly bible study for the corps.
You are invited to welcome the new international leaders of The Salvation Army, General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham.
Join Salvationists and friends online or in London for a service of dedication and celebration. The event will be supported by the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Edward Hill, and Commissioner Shelley Hill.
The full event will be livestreamed on the Salvation Army’s international website from 3.30pm UK time (UTC+1).
For more information. Visit sar.my/3sep23
