(Text: John 21:16-22)

God completed the divine side of man’s redemption with the death/resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus has faithfully fulfilled his own side of the deal, but the work is now at its critical phase requiring men to progress it until Christ’s return. Thank God, for the last 2000 years, the church has carried on with millions already saved from the work of faithful men.

From the text, we see Christ giving Peter a personal call to follow him so as to accomplish a specific area of the work of getting men saved. Peter seemed to be more bothered about what John had been called to do, but Christ was quick to correct Peter and to instruct him to be rather concerned with what he had specifically being called by God to do. Similarly, every Christian has a general call to verve God, however, more importantly we all need to know that God has given us a specific call that is peculiar and different from one person to another. The question to ask is Oh God, What have you called me to do? What shall I live for? How sad it will be to find we have wasted our lives chasing unimportant, mundane things, rather than living for God.

Your Specific Call — Occupy Till He Comes (Lk 19:11 -14).

We see from this parable the case of a certain noble mans who prior to departing into a far country gave each of his servants talents or gifts. The servants first had a general calling as servants, but each of them had a specific call to occupy in one way or the other in the master’s business —this is evident from the differences in talents received from the master. In a similar vein, every Christian has got a general call to be a Christian or Christ’s servant. However to each of us is given specific areas of service. You have not been saved just to make it to heaven, but to fulfil a special duty for your God. What shall this man do? We have to individually find answers to this question in the course of this study. You are not called to just warm the benches or just to be a happy Christian, you are God’s instrument for furthering the glorious work of man’s redemption on the earth, amen. This is the most sublime and primary motive for God keeping us still in this world. As you discover your area of call, then occupy for the master till he returns.

The Gifts/Ministries of The Spirit (Eph 4: 7-14; I Cor 12: 9 - 11, 28; Rom 12:4 - 8).

In the church, the Holy Spirit (Director of Operations) has mapped out different duties (or specific roles) for each Christian. The specific roles differ from one person to another, the levels of operation also differ, but the central purpose is for the sustenance of the church as it strives to get men saved from sin, sickness and Satan, and keeps them growing to the point of maturity, waiting for the blessed return of Jesus.

The various categories of callings that have been created in the church include the ones listed below.

God expects each of us to fit into one area of service or the other depending upon His gifts upon our lives, our circumstances, personality and even our desires. God has your name against a specific office. How balanced, strong and united our church would be if every one knows his calling, is faithful therein and acknowledges Gods calling in other people’s lives as well. The enemy would not able to cheat us, problems will be solved through answers to prayers and there would be no one that will be lacking the basic necessities of life. May God depend on us.

The new testament is replete with examples of men/women who knew their respective callings and made full proof of them. Think about Apostle Peter (Acts 3:2-9), Prophet Agabus (Acts 21: 10-11), Evangelist Phillip — the one-man-squad who transformed Samaria (Acts 8: 5-40), Aquilla/Pnscilla —Teachers (Acts 18:24-28), Pastor Timothy, Dorcas company (Acts 9: 36-41), Epaphras the great intercessor (Cal 4:12), etc, etc. etc.

God is opening up your files now, He wants to deploy you to your area of service today. He will start bringing divine providences across your way confirming your area of call. Don’t disappoint him. Any opportunity wasted is a lost ground for the master. If you have not started now to be involved with God’s work, then when will it be? For tips on how to carry on from here, the points below will be of help.

Any Reward? Yes - Great Rewards (Luke 19: 15— 27).

The Lord is coming back to reward the faithful. What God has reserved for us surpasses whatever little labours we may have to undertake in fulfilling our respective ministries. You will reign with him through out eternity!!!!

Unfortunately, the unfaithful will be judged as well when the master returns. Sinners who refuse to avail themselves of the opportunity to allow Christ reign In their hearts through the ministries of faithful Christians will be cast into eternal damnation — if you are one of them, repent today and receive Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour.

Can God depend on you? Rise today and chase after your ministry the rest of your life. If you are willing to consecrate your service to the Lord this day, you will be the best for it in eternity. II Chronicles 29:5b. In doing so, you will have not only found an answer to the question "What shall this man do?", you indeed would have done that which you ought to or were called out to do. The Lord bless and prosper you as you engage in fulfilling your ministries.