The Foundation For Your Calling

Scripture reference: And as you go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Matthew 10 verse 7 and 8

As I continue to work with women from around the world, the one unifying question they have is, “What am I called to do?” Knowing our purpose is what drives us to have a full and exciting life. Our purpose for living produces the vision to carry it out. It calls to us. Makes us uncomfortable with the way things are. Makes us unsatisfied if we aren’t doing what we are purposed to do.

Whether you know what your calling is or not, the foundation is the same. In whatever you are called to do, whether it be a doctor, lawyer, or stay at home mom, there are five things that Jesus tells us we are to carry out:

1.Preach, saying that “The Kingdom of God is at hand.”
2.Heal the sick
3.Cleanse the lepers
4.Raise the dead
5.Cast out devils

What does preach mean? And what exactly is the kingdom of heaven? What does He mean it’s at hand?

The word for preach in verse 7 is the Greek word kerusso (kay-roos’-so). One of the definitions for preach is to publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done. Simply put, though we are not all called to the office of preacher, we all called to preach: to openly proclaim the Good News of the Gospel of peace through the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This is our main duty as citizens of heaven.

The word for kingdom is the Greek word basileia (bas-il-i’-ah). A kingdom is a territory subject to the rule of a king. Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is God’s territory subject to the rule of the King. We know from 1st Timothy 6:15 and Revelation 17:14 that Jesus is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is a kingdom where a territory is subject to the rule of the King of Kings (Jesus). Since Jesus is the King of all kings, all things are under Him. This is also pointed out in Ephesians 1:21 where Scripture tells us Christ is far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also that which is to come. Dominion is synonymous with kingdom. Jesus is the King and His territory trumps all others.

Is at hand is the Greek word eggizo (eng-id’-zo). It means to come near; approach; draw near. The tense is perfect (an action which is viewed as having been completed in the past, once and for all, not needing to be repeated). The voice is active (the subject is to do something). The mood is indicative (simple statement of fact).

The simple statement of fact is this:

No matter what you are called to do, the first order of business is for you to preach (openly proclaim the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus) that the kingdom of heaven has come once and for all to take dominion over all territories. Proof that this territory, God’s kingdom, has approached us is that the sick are healed because the Kingdom of heaven trumps the kingdom of sickness and disease; the lepers are cleansed because the Kingdom of heaven trumps the kingdom of lack and insufficiency; the dead are raised because the Kingdom of heaven trumps death in any area, and the devils are cast out because the Kingdom of heaven trumps the kingdom of the enemy.

God does all the work. We are only to be His hands, feet, and mouth. We need not be afraid of “what if it won’t work”. Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God. We cannot please God without faith. The children of God did not enter the promise land because they did not mix what God said with faith. Start to stir up this calling in you. Meditate on the word day and night that this is your job above all else: to proclaim the Good News of Christ. God will back it up with signs and wonders.

Everything you need is already inside of you. God creates a purpose then creates the vehicle to carry it out. You were created for such a time as this. You are needed to demonstrate the kingdom of Love so that others will be set free. Did you notice that points 2-5 is about showing love to someone: setting them free to be who they were created to be? And God wants to work through you to make that happen! Of anything you can do in the world, isn’t that the most exciting job you can ask for? To be God’s co-partner in setting people free? I think it’s a worthy and fulfilling work. And you were created specifically to meet that need in people.

My prayer for you is that as you read this and meditate on the Word, God will show you how to begin implementing what you have inside of you to set people free. Your life will never be the same if you yield to the calling to preach.

In His Grip,
Raquel