In Paul’s quote from the book of Joel (2:32) he says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
will be saved.” The use of the word “everyone” makes this inclusive to every person who “calls on
the name of the Lord.” When a person “calls” to the Lord they are expressing some kind of
confidence or conviction that he is willing and able to help them. Calling on God indicates faith
that what God has revealed about himself is true.
When a normal person calls someone on the phone they only dial numbers they believe have the potential to be answered. So, calling someone’s number shows a level of faith. Calling indicates
belief in the existence of the person being called and indicates faith that the person will respond.
But, of course, it is very frustrating to know who you want to call, but either can’t find the number
or don’t know the number. At least, with minimum information you can look the number up. How hopeless it is if you don’t even know who to call? You know you need help. You know you want
to call, but you don’t know who.
That’s where Paul takes Joel’s quote. After giving the universal promise that, “Everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved,” Paul asks, “How can they call on the one they have not believed in?” If people do not know the information they cannot believe it. And, they cannot
believe information if they have not heard the information. Thus, the need for someone to
tell them the information.
Sent to go Tell --> Hear -->Know -->Believe -->Call
How excellent are those words that communicate the information about the person who can help.
Or, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” The person who hears the message now knows the promise of the one who can help. If the person who heard actually believes the message that they heard, they can call the one who can help.
We preach, teach and provide information. The person who hears decides if what they heard
and know is true. If they believe they will call. Calling indicates they have believed and
if they believe they will be saved.
One of the most beautiful ministries in the church is to be able to bring information to
someone looking for the Lord’s number. |
