Hear The Call

Acts 16:9

verse 9. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; there stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, come over into Macedonia, and help us.

First of all, let's look at the word vision. The word vision, usually refers to a dream or an appearance of an angelic being. I believe that Paul did have a dream or a vision of this man. This was a way that God had of speaking to Paul.

What about today and us? Do you believe that God speaks to us in visions? Some people don't believe God speaks to us in any fashion. Maybe they haven't ask Him. Maybe He does and they just don't recognise Him.

The man was calling out to Paul to come over and help them. In other words, the man wanted to hear about salvation. Look at the words "come over". These words meant, to cross the ocean. Macedonia was across the ocean from Paul. Today, Macedonia is Europe. We should be grateful to Paul for going, because most of our ancestors came from Europe.

Have you ever heard "the call"? Have you ever thought about "the call"? God chose Paul to hear "the call", but what if Paul had not gone or closed his ears; what would God had done? He would have found someone else who would have gone and answered the call. God's plan would have been carried out, except Paul would have lost a blessing. How many blessings have you or I lost because we didn't answer "the call"?

The "call" could be from the divorced lady with children and she needs a job. Maybe an elderly couple that would love to come to church but they have no way to get there. It could be a troubled teen, who just needs someone to talk with. The longer you go without hearing "the call" the fainter that call will get. The day will come when you won't hear "the call" at all. Think of all the blessings you can loose.

Years ago when I became a Christan, I wrote a poem about being a missionary. I had always wanted to be a missionary, but never had any encouragement.

A SMALL VOICE

I've often dreamed of traveling
Across the ocean blue
Telling people about things
Of which they never knew.

About JESUS, born of the virgin Mary
HIS teaching, preaching and all HIS miracles.
About the cross, on which HE died;
And the two other men
Hanging by HIS side.

How HE can wash away our sins
And cleanse us white as snow
And all we have to do
Is BELIEVE, ACCEPT and KNOW.

"But wait." a small voice said to me
Why travel across the ocean blue,
When lost ones are living,
Right next to you?"

Copyright: Juanita Waggoner, October,1964

Please answer the call today,