Every day as I prepare to leave the house, I place on my left hip a small black box: a pager. The pager is a direct connect to the 9-1-1 dispatch center in our county. If there is a fire or first responder call in the Albion City or Rural Fire District, my pager will buzz and ring with the dispatcher’s voice following the tone. The dispatcher provides information including the address of the emergency and any details about the emergency. The firefighters or first responders who are available to respond begin their travels to the firehouse to get the correct equipment (truck) to most effectively help during the crisis.
During my ten-years on the Albion City and Rural Fire Departments, there have been more days when we have not had any emergencies, while there have been days where multiple calls have needed our attention (i.e. three calls between 3pm and 1am yesterday into today). In each of those times when the pager has rung, I have decided: I will respond. Unless I am in a meeting where I cannot excuse myself or my pager is turned off because I am preaching or teaching, I made a commitment to respond when someone is in crisis.
In Scripture we note several times where God called people to respond to His call for them to speak, encourage, or support people who needed to experience the Truth of God’s love and God’s call to Holiness. The response differs as we see some of those who are called responding with doubt they are the right person to respond, while there are others who disobey, not responding in the way God called them to respond. Still others respond with immediate obedience.
As we embark on this month’s theme of Obedient Response, I am reminded of my own response to God’s call for me to pursue full-time ministry. The camp evangelist spoke that evening on 1 Samuel 3 where Samuel responds to God’s call, “Speak, for your servant is listening” (vs. 10b). Just as I wait for the information to come from our dispatcher at the 9-1-1 center, I made a proclamation to the Lord that I would listen for further direction about His call on my life. Over the past 27-years, I have sought God’s voice and the courage to respond in obedience. Join me on this month’s journey of considering our Obedient Response.
Prayer: I have not always been quick to respond to your call, O Lord. I make excuses or I don’t take time to listen to your directions. Forgive me. I want to be obedient in my response. There are people in crisis around me and need to hear the Good News of the Kingdom of God. Give me ears to hear. A heart that loves. The courage to respond. In Jesus’ name. Amen.