Thy mercy, my God, is the theme
of my song. It is common to the religious
nature of men to place emphasis on that which is external and
carnal and miss that which is truly spiritual. The most easily
counterfeited and falsified spiritual gift is that of tongues. Paul
told us not to forbid others from speaking in tongues, but
he also said, when I became a man, I put away childish things. The
greatest miracle that occurred on the day of Pentecost was not
that some spoke in tongues, but that men were unable to hear
the declaration of the gospel by Peter. Yet even this miracle
was not an end in itself, but rather served a greater purpose.
It is that purpose we are concerned with and not the means by which
that purpose was carried out. Preaching is not an end in itself,
but is a blessing given to men for the purpose of exalting Jesus
Christ and Him crucified, which Peter plainly did on the day
of Pentecost. God was pleased to use that gospel
which Peter preached to the natural ears of his hearers. All men
present heard the words which Peter spoke, but not all had
the same reaction to it. Now when they heard this, they
were pricked in their heart and said unto Peter and to the rest
of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? The preachers
of free will tell us that the difference between those who
received the word that day and those who did not was just a
choice on their part. Yet Peter plainly declares that
something else was involved. For the promise is unto you and
to your children and to all that are far off, even as many as
the Lord our God shall call. The promises of God are not for
everyone, but they are clearly reserved for those whom the Lord
calls. The Lord Jesus said, My sheep hear my voice, and I know
them, and they follow me. This call which the Lord gives
to his sheep is spoken of as a holy calling. That which is
holy is set apart from that which is common. It is a special and
specific calling and is not in any sense generic or general.
He says in John 10.3, He calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth
them out. It is a heavenly calling which
denotes its origin, to be sure, but also speaks of the authority
which accompanies it. When I was but a lad, my mother
would often call me in for supper, and since I was busy about many
things, I would often ignore that call. However, when she
used my first, middle, and last name, I knew it was time to come,
and her authoritative call was effectual to accomplish her purpose.
Such is the call of Christ to His children. It never fails
to accomplish His purpose. It is a high calling which has
reference to that place of blessing to which we are called and the
great privilege which is given to those so called. Behold, what
manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should
be called the sons of God. Peter said that the promises
of God were for all those who are called. Paul speaks in Romans
of the same thing. Many quote this verse and leave
off the most important part of it. And we know that all things
work together for good to them that love God. to them who are
the called according to his purpose. Those who are the called are
none other than those who are referred to as the elect or those
ordained unto eternal life. All that the Father giveth me
shall come to me, and him that cometh to me I will in no wise
cast out. The power and effectiveness of
any decree stands or falls according to the authority of the one who
is making the decree. This one who will not break the
bruised reed nor quench the smoking flax issues the tender call to
his children saying, ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the
waters. And he that hath no money, come ye, buy and eat. Yea, come,
buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore
do you spend money for that which is not bread, and your labor
for that which satisfies not? hearken diligently unto me and
eat ye that which is good and let your soul delight itself
in fatness incline your ear and come unto me here and your soul
shall live and i will make an everlasting covenant with you
even the sure mercies of david it's also the one who says Remember
the former things of old, for I am God, and there is none else.
I am God, and there is none like me. Declaring the end from the
beginning and from ancient times the things that are not yet done,
saying, my counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.
Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executed
my counsel from a far country, yea, I have spoken it. I will
also bring it to pass. I have purposed it. I will also
do it. Hearken unto me, ye stout-hearted
that are far from righteousness. I bring near my righteousness,
it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry,
and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory. He is indeed mighty to save.
Have you heard his call? If you would like a free transcript
of this broadcast, email us at forthepoor at windstream.net.