Just Call!

Just Call!

‘And it shall be that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord [invoking, adoring, and worshiping the Lord Jesus] shall be saved (rescued spiritually).’
ACTS 2:21 AMP

Today's extract is from Peter's first public message after the encounter with the Holy Spirit at the upper room. About 120 people were gathered there in obedience to the final words of Jesus before he ascended to heaven, where he had made a promise of the Holy Spirit. So, in obedience, the disciples and other believers waited, and a few days after, the promise of God was fulfilled.

The first lesson today's extract teaches me is: God is faithful. He is too invested in his Word for him to lie. He is staking his name, reputation and prestige on his infallible Word, so when He says something, you can bet your life that it will surely come to pass. The Holy Spirit is given, and men of Galilee were heard speaking in other tongues, and men could hear them declaring God's mighty works.

Another lesson: all of God's gifts are for his glory, not the pushing of personal agendas. Peter then got up and declared a powerful message about Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Today's extract lies at the heart of the whole essence of Christ and why He came to the world. He didn't come for his own personal agenda; he came to fulfil God's purpose, which is the salvation of all mankind.

And the secret to accessing the gift is to make an approach and ask. It is that simple, maybe too simple. Maybe that is why it is too good to be true for so many people. How do you tell a person who has lived on the strength of personal effort that God does not need the effort, just the heart? The  devil pushes out effort; God asks us to simply approach, call out to Him and enjoy the benefits available in Christ.

I am assured of an answer when I call, and it is not just any kind of answer; it is an eternal response, one that is good down here and valid for all eternity. I am assured that when I call, He will hear me and give me what I truly need: Him. Not all the treasures of this world, not possession, power, position or privilege; just His presence. That's good for me, because with Him, I have all I need. Without Him, it does not matter what I have. His time of favour is here.