Published by Barnabas International • PO Box 11211 • Rockford, IL 61126 • Volume XX • No. 12 • December 2006
LEE HOTCHKISS, Executive Director <> LAREAU LINDQUIST, Founder
These are historic days in Thailand. It's been a significant time for me to be here. Last week, there was a military coup that forced the prime minister out of office. The king of Thailand has appointed Surayud Chulanont to be the interim prime minister. It's been a bloodless coup. In spite of political upheaval and turbulence, there was been peace and calm in the streets. It's been a peaceful revolution.
This morning's paper had a huge headline announcing the king's appointment. At the top of the front page, these words from the appointee appeared . . . I HAVE RECEIVED THE MANDATE FROM HIS MAJESTY THE KING SO I HAVE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. He responded positively to the mandate of his earthly king.
I, TOO, HAVE RECEIVED THE MANDATE FROM HIS MAJESTY THE KING, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, SO I HAVE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.
God has always been in the business of calling people like you and me to partner with Him in His ministry on earth.
Moses, at the age of eighty, heard the mandate from His Lord (Exodus 3:10).
Jeremiah, as a young man heard the word of his Sovereign Lord, saying, Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 1:4-6).
Paul, even before becoming a Christian, heard the call to ministry from Jesus (Acts 9).
Peter Marshall describes his call as a . . . tap on the shoulder.
I sensed my call to preach at age 20. At age 49, I received the call to begin a ministry to people in ministry. This call was the starting point of Barnabas International.
Perhaps you too have sensed a "call from the King" and you responded.
Here in Thailand, the MANDATE was issued. Surayud responded positively.
In Matthew 28, Jesus issued the MANDATE (in verses 18-20). He established His authority in verse 18, His call in verse 19, and His promise in verse 20. This continues to be repeated in countless lives around the world. Rick Warren's book, THE PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIFE, has helped millions of Christians to grasp the reality of God's specific assignment for every Christian to be involved in our King's business. Each of us, including you, is uniquely equipped to do what the King has sovereignly chosen for us to be and to do.
Evie and I were surprised, hugely surprised, when He called us to begin this ministry of Barnabas International. We were already in ministry. For over 25 years we had been fully engaged in ministry. And then, seemingly `out of the blue', He called us to begin this ministry. .It seemed to us that His call was `out of the blue'. We know better now. We know that it was all orchestrated by Him. He had it planned even before our birth. But on a specific day and in a specific place, He called us. It was the beginning of the greatest chapter in our lives.
I once heard someone say . . . It ain't over until it's over. It is crudely spoken but it carries a kernel of significant truth. Until God calls you home, He has something for you to do here on earth. Keep tuned to His voice.
Might you and I respond to our King's call as Surayud responded to his king's call . . . I have received the mandate from His Majesty the King, so I have to take responsibility.
Our King is more than just another king. He is the King of kings. What an honor! The King has called me to do His work . . . in this time and in this place.
