THIS CALL’S FOR YOU
By Glenn Thomas Carson, Ph.D.

“Last Call.” We’ve all heard those depressing words from the bartender of the evening. What? Only one more? Yes – just this last one. Drink up, because the night is done.

What if the words weren’t uttered by Jackie Gleason’s version of a bartender? What if, instead, it was God saying “this is the last time I’m calling.” Would our response be any different from the calls we are hearing from heaven every day?

I have only heard an echo, so far. And it may have only been my imagination. But, I think I may have distinctly heard “Last Call.” And if I have, then we had better start paying very strict attention.

King Saul was called by God through the prophet Samuel. The prophet clearly heard “get the tall one over there.” God called Saul…and called him again. The divine voice kept calling, but somewhere along the way the royal ear stopped listening. God? Calling? Are you sure?

Moses heard the Voice at the Bush. But then couldn’t quite make out the words at the Rock.

Judas clearly heard the Call at the river bank. But the words of Jesus didn’t make any sense to him later on.

God has called me. God has called you. That was then, and this is now. Am I still listening? Is God still calling? Is it just me…or is this the Last Call?

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The Reverend Dr. Glenn Thomas Carson is President of Disciples of Christ Historical Society, a general ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)