The Hope of His Calling

Ephesians 1:15-19
We continue our meditation on Book of Ephesians in our fasting prayer. Today Evg.Saju Pappen lead the session on the topic "His Calling"

Ephesian 1:15-19 is a prayer of Apostle Paul. In his prayer, Paul is pleading that, every one of us should know our calling and the hope of our calling or why we are called. To understand this calling our spiritual eyes must be enlightened
Then he discussed about two persons and their calling and how they responded to their calling

1. Moses- God calling Moses
Exodus 3:4,10
Points to note here
- Moses was 80 years old when this calling happened
- First 40 years he was in Pharaoh's place as a prince and next 40 years he was looking after the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro .
- Now he is desert, close to Mountain of God, Horeb. But he is almost down and out. His passion is dying.
- When Moses saw the bush burning, he moved closer to Horeb to see what it is
- God asked him to remove unholy things first, then come to Mountain of God. This very true now also. God wants us to be holy in every aspect
- Then God introduced himself to Moses as God of Abraham,Jacob and Issac. This is just to remind Moses where he is now and who is he and who is his fore fathers

How Moses responded to God's call?
- Moses raised 4 doubts/questions/excuses to avoid the calling
a. What is my merit/worth in taking up this huge task of delivering Israelites? Ex 3:11
Moses is trying to explain God that I am worthless, good for nothing fellow. But God does not require any qualification to use you. As Ephesians 2:1, we were dead in our sins, but still He loved us and died for us.
b. What is the name of the God who send me? Exodus 3:13
God introduced Himself to Moses initially. But still Moses again ask the question. Then God explains it further
- I AM THAT I AM .
- I am the God of Abraham, Jacob and Issac
- I am the God of your Father's
c. I am slow in speech and has slow tongue Exodus 4:10
Here Moses is trying to make God understand about his infirmities, even though he knows that God is his Creator. many times we also try to teach God and try to make Him understand about our issues.
d. Send somebody else other than me. Exodus 4:13
Even after clearing all his doubts, Moses is still not willing to go. Then God became angry
Jeremiah 13:15,16
But in the end Moses obeyed God's calling. Later he never questioned God. He did exactly what God commanded Exodus 39:32, 39:42, 40:16, 40:25, 40:32..

2. Calling of Elisha 1 Kings 19:19-21
- Elijah put his mantle upon Elisha, when he is working in the field
- Elisha responded immediately and ran after Elijah
- He killed the Oxen which was keeping him in the fields and followed Elijah

And God used Elisha mightily, with double spirit.

Conclusion
1. Are we sure about our calling?
2. Are we responding to the calling? or still telling excuses?
3. If we respond, it will be a blessing to us and our generations