The Father's Business: Our Calling

Hudson Taylor responded to God’s call to go to China at the age of 21. Despite challenges and opposition, his faith and prayer life made him an instrument of God’s mighty work. His story reminds us that God calls ordinary people to trust in His great faithfulness.

God’s Presence in His House

Before the Holy Spirit descended, the ark of the covenant symbolized God’s presence among His people.

1 Chronicles 28:2–3 (KJV): "Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, 'As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord... but God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for My name, because thou hast been a man of war.'"

David’s son, Solomon, was chosen by God to build the temple.

1 Chronicles 28:6–7 (KJV): "Solomon thy son, he shall build My house and My courts: for I have chosen him to be My son, and I will be his father."

We should never take the gathering of God’s people lightly. The house of God is where ministry begins and where we grow in faith and service.

God’s Glory in His House

During the temple dedication, the glory of the Lord filled the house, demonstrating His presence and power.

2 Chronicles 7:1–3 (KJV): "When Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven... and the glory of the Lord filled the house."

Worshiping God in spirit and truth involves offering ourselves as living sacrifices, bringing our best to Him.

Psalm 22:3 (KJV): "But Thou art holy, O Thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel."

The Example of Jesus

At age 12, Jesus demonstrated His understanding of His calling while discussing with the rabbis in the temple courts.

Luke 2:49 (KJV): "How is it that ye sought Me? wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business?"

Jesus reminded us that the Father’s house is a house of prayer, not a place for self-serving interests.

Matthew 21:13 (KJV): "My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves."

We Are the Church

As believers, we are the living stones that make up God’s spiritual house, built on the foundation of Christ, the chief cornerstone.

1 Peter 2:5–6 (KJV): "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices."

We are all members of one body, uniquely gifted to serve and glorify God together.

1 Corinthians 12:12 (KJV): "For as the body is one, and hath many members... so also is Christ."

Hearing and Obeying God’s Call

Throughout Scripture, we see examples of obedience to God’s calling. Mary accepted the high calling to bear the Messiah (Luke 1:38), and the servants at the wedding in Cana obeyed Jesus’ instructions, witnessing a miracle (John 2:5–8).

Are we positioning ourselves to heed God’s call this year? Are we vessels of honor, ready for His use?

2 Timothy 2:21 (KJV): "If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the Master's use."

Conclusion

God calls us to work together as one body in Christ. Let us surrender ourselves to His will, serving His purpose with faith and unity.

1 Corinthians 12:27 (KJV): "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular."