“Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.'”
Genesis 12:1
Dear members and friends,
The story of Abraham is filled with fascination and awe. What often strikes us most is his lack of hesitation; he hears the call of God and immediately obeys. Because of this, he is revered as the father of three great faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Whenever I read Genesis 12, I find myself asking: why was he so special? As I contemplate this, a possibility emerges. Perhaps Abram wasn’t the only one God called. Perhaps he wasn’t even the only one to hear the voice. But he may have been the only one willing to act on that call without hesitation. This radical faithfulness is the cornerstone of the human relationship with the Divine throughout the Bible.
Many of us wonder why God chooses certain people and seemingly passes over others. Yet, the truth may be that God is calling all people, all the time. The difference lies in our reception: only some are quiet enough to hear, and fewer still are courageous enough to act.
Historically, the idea of a “divine calling” has been misunderstood or even abused. Because a call is deeply personal, there is no external system to “verify” it. This places the burden of integrity squarely on the individual. How do we know if a call is truly from God? The Bible provides a clear compass: God’s nature is defined by mercy, forgiveness, faithfulness, and steadfast love. Any mission that contradicts these virtues is likely not from God.
My brothers and sisters, I invite you to join me in a moment of intentional silence this week. Find a quiet place, sit still, and let the silence embrace you. Enter into a state of deep listening. God is always whispering to the deepest parts of our hearts—we only need to be ready to hear and willing to move.
Blessings, Rev. Junchol Lee