There is one thing that you must realize when you are discussing the case of the lost, for we all once were lost, it is that if they do not receive Christ as Savior, they will continue to be lost. “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:44)
To be found, one must be searched for, but we tend to only think on this important statement in one direction, that of a human being searching for God, and not in the direction that this verse implies, that God is calling us. “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matt. 22:14) Why then are some not chosen, for unless you are chosen, you will remain lost throughout all eternity, separated from the love of Christ forever. Who then are they which will indeed be called the sons of God, heirs to the kingdom of heaven? Those that are called, those that are chosen, and those that have been given eyes to see and ears to hear, those that call upon the name of the Lord. (Romans 10:13)
The actions, as far as we can comprehend with our finite minds, are symbiotic, He calls, we answer, we are chosen, those who do not answer the call are not chosen, thus free will is justified in its accountability toward God, whether it be in its eternal damnation or salvation. It is why our Lord answered the question to the disciples in Mark 4:12 with the words, “That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.”
For a long time He spoke quite clearly, hiding nothing, but from this point on He spoke to the crowds in parables, for just one reason. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Heb. 11:6) If you are truly interested in a subject, you will seek out all the knowledge that you can about that subject, both the positive and negative aspects of it, determined individuals would do no less. Not one corner of that subject would be left unturned, for it consumes us, it draws us, and we desire to know as much about it as possible, we want to understand all we can about it. It is in our eyes a worthy pursuit, and a good use of the time that has been allotted to us.
Most people on this planet pursue fanciful dreams, some will devote countless years to the pursuit of the profession that they have decided to pursue, but all those will inevitably come to a close, with the end of life, nothing will have truly availed them. Parables, specifically the parable in the Scriptures, are as an invitation to those who desire the knowledge of God, wisdom is the offered gift that enables us not only to understand the parables, but the only key, if you will, that will open up for us, to explain to us their meanings.
“Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.” (Prov. 4:5) “Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets.” (Prov. 1:20) “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)
There are many I believe who are truly saved that do not possess wisdom, but “the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” (1 Sam. 16:7) What comes with wisdom though is the ability to understand more fully the truths of Scripture, the ability to rightly divide the word of truth, (2 Tim 2:15) thus enabling the man of God to be called out of the sheepfold to be used in greater ways, if you will, for the glory of God.
“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.” (James 3:1) We were not being told by the Holy Spirit through James to not be masters, what he is saying is that if you desire this position, the position of expounding upon the wisdom of God to others, you will be held more accountable, and with that accountability comes much danger to ourselves, not only from our adversary, for you will be noticed, but from God Himself. The Lord Almighty does not take kindly to people lying about Him, He is not well pleased with false prophets, with religious organizations that defile His Holy name with their traditions of men, each will receive rewards they do not want.
There are more people standing behind pulpits today that think they were called than actually were, one cannot attend a two- or four-year college, a seminary if you will, get a piece of paper saying they completed the courses with a passing grade, and then simply call themselves a man of God, called to preach and teach. Business economics, church structure and applications, courses on grieving and proper time allocation do not a man of God make. Not all that are called are chosen.
Those who are still living in sin do not want to understand the parables, they want to see the miracles, they want to feel better about themselves, they want to be coddled and assured that God loves them just the way they are, no matter what type of life they are living, and there are many cults, large and small, that are more than willing to have these individuals sitting in their pews.
Unless a man’s desire is for Christ and for Him alone, unless he denies this world and all that is in it, until his life means absolutely nothing to him unless it is being lived for the glory of God, he will never be called to be a teacher, he will never truly be a pastor or preacher. It is not how much you care about people, lost or saved, that defines us, it is how much we love the Lord Jesus, only that love will allow us to express His love for others, only the love of Christ working through us will produce fruit, only those chosen can express that love to others. To be called and then chosen is only the first step.
