Daily Devotional | A Burning Call

At times, God calls particular people to a particular task at a particular time—the special (secondary) call of God. Os Guiness explains: “A special calling refers to those tasks and missions laid on individuals through a direct, specific, supernatural communication from God.”

Scripture includes many examples of God’s special call. We’ve already seen a few—Abram, Matthew, Mary. But it’s important to note that God calls in many ways. The diversity in the biblical accounts demonstrates this. While each is unique, these callings teach important truths.

The call of Moses is one of my favorites. In Exodus 3, Moses was caring for his father-in-law’s flocks in the wilderness when he saw a burning bush that was not consumed, so he went over to have a look (v. 2). The Lord called to Moses from the flame, and Moses replied with innocent curiosity: “Here I am” (v. 4). God immediately established the solemnity of the situation with instructions to remain at a reverential distance and remove his sandals. He also clarified His identity and authority as the God of Moses’ forefathers. And “Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God” (v. 6). Then God told Moses that He had seen the affliction and heard the cry of His people, and He was sending Moses to bring them out of Egypt (vv. 7–10).

Already, in these first few verses of the account, we see that when God calls, He will get our attention. Sometimes it will happen in extraordinary ways. He is in complete control of this calling; it is not ours to own. This happens on holy ground, and the appropriate response to His presence and authority is awe. God’s call is both personal and corporate. God called Moses to go to Pharaoh, but this wasn’t to make Moses great. It was for the benefit of Israel.