Daily Devotions
Hebrews
"Partakers of the heavenly calling "
Text: Hebrews 3:1b
A HIGH CALLING
The word “calling” is often used to describe a lofty manner of life, or a noble profession. A person who lives up to his vocation is often spoken of as “one who has a high calling”. This word “calling” may be traced back to Biblical roots.
“Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly
calling?”
Hebrews 3:1b
1. “Heavenly calling” (“kleseos epouraniou”)
a) There is such a thing as a calling.
i) The word “calling” is taken from a word that describes an “invitation”.
ii) God has graciously extended to all mankind a gracious invitation.
iii) This invitation is to believe in who Jesus is and what He has done for us.
iv) Subsequent to faith, we become “brethren” of the Lord Jesus.
b) This calling may indeed be described as “heavenly”.
i) The focus is that of “origin”.
ii) This calling from God to be “holy brethren” through Christ’s salvation is from the Lord in heaven.
2. Partakers (“metochoi” Cf. Hebrews 2:14 “shared”)
a) The word “partakers” literally means “sharers”.
b) Jesus shared with mankind “flesh and blood”.
c) In the same manner we may now speak of being “sharers” of the heavenly calling.
d) Christ was called “Son” (Cf. Hebrew 1:5).
e) We have been given this heavenly calling from God to be “sharers” or “partakers” of the privilege of being called “holy brethren”.
It is high honour indeed to be given this high “heavenly calling”. This is an invitation that is bone fide. It is something that comes from God Himself! It is to be found in receiving Jesus as “the captain of (our) salvation” (Cf.Hebrews 2:10).