VOTW: For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable (30 May 2021)

"For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." Romans 11:29

In this chapter, Paul is arguing for the place of the Jews in God's plan. He argued that though the Jews were instrumental in the rejection and crucifixion of Christ; by the sovereign will of God, they were chosen and were never "un-chosen" as God's people. And he leads up into this beautiful truth: that the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.

Many people have used this verse to encourage and comfort others who feel lost or broken from a path that they once thought were their calling. Even though in the context of this verse, Paul was talking about Jews and their calling as the people of God, it is still a very telling line about the character of God. His unwavering word, once declared is forever in action. It is the Truth. This verse reminds us that when God has called us into a certain place or a certain capacity, His plan is His alone, and no one or thing can ever ruin or cause Him to change His plans. After all, He is all-knowing and the greatest master planner ever.

In fact, what we read today in the New Testament is seen in the old:

"...because the Lord was with him..." Genesis 39:23

This phrase appears twice in this chapter in the story of Joseph and it is a remarkable reflection of the truth we see in Romans 11:29. Of the two times we find this quote: in the first, Joseph was made a slave in the house of an Egyptian (Genesis 39:3); and in the second, he was put into jail for wronged charges (Genesis 39:23). Furthermore, the whole life of Joseph reveals this truth about calling. From the age of seventeen, Joseph had dreams of greatness; and in the order shown in the bible, what happened next was his tragic betrayal by his brothers who sold him as a slave; then while being a slave, he was accused of a crime he did not commit and sent into prison; finally even in prison, when he did miraculous deeds of interpreting dreams, he was forgotten by the man he helped. Yet, as we read all these, one phrase rang true throughout the years in the book: "because the Lord was with him". None of the tragedy, none of the betrayals, none of the evils could shake off the Lord who was with Joseph. His calling on Joseph was irrevocable. So is yours.

Also, friends, if it was not apparent to you already, re-read that timeline of Joseph and see if it does not mirror the life of Jesus on earth. Being sent by His Father to His brothers, He was betrayed by a closed friend and sent to die. And for years His brothers thought Him dead, but He has, since then, been in the Gentile world as their saviour. There is a beautiful message left in this story that is both a love letter and a prophecy, a mystery and also a revelation, a reminiscence and also a celebration.

That Joseph is an example for us to learn from is great, but when you realize that Joseph also depicts a type of Christ, who the bible says is the Firstborn of all creation, now that is exhilarating. All believers, beholding Jesus, are destined to become like Him! That is the good news!

As we end this short devotional, we pray that you remember that the gifts and calling of God on you are irrevocable. Even you cannot destabilize the plans that He has for you. Because the Lord is with you. The first and foremost calling that the Lord has placed upon you, is to be reconciled to Him. And this, Jesus has done on the cross. He took our place in death, and gave us His place in Life. Where does that leave us? We find ourselves in the Kingdom that is not of this world. And when we realize where we are in this Kingdom, we realize once again the truth of last week's VOTW: our Father knows our desires and needs, and He is ready to meet you where you are.