Chapter 1—God’s Call to Service
Depending on Human Agents
As His representatives among men, God does not choose angels
who have never fallen, but human beings, men of like passions with
those they seek to save. Christ took humanity that He might reach
humanity. A divine-human Saviour was needed to bring salvation to
the world. And to men and women has been committed the sacred
trust of making known “the unsearchable riches of Christ.”—
The Acts
of the Apostles, 134
.
Look upon the touching scene. Behold the Majesty of heaven
surrounded by the twelve whom He has chosen. He is about to set
them apart for their work. By these feeble agencies, through His Word
and Spirit, He designs to place salvation within the reach of all.—
The
Acts of the Apostles, 18
.
“Send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon.” Thus God gave
evidence of His regard for the gospel ministry and for His organized
church. The angel was not commissioned to tell Cornelius the story
of the cross. A man subject, even as the centurion himself, to human
frailties and temptations, was to be the one to tell him of the crucified
and risen Saviour.—
The Acts of the Apostles, 134
.
The angel sent to Philip could himself have done the work for the
Ethiopian, but this is not God’s way of working. It is His plan that
men are to work for their fellow men.—
The Acts of the Apostles, 109
.
“We have this treasure,” the apostle continued, “in earthen vessels,
that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” God
could have proclaimed His truth through sinless angels, but this is not
His plan. He chooses human beings, men compassed with infirmity, as
instruments in the working out of His designs. The priceless treasure
is placed in earthen vessels. Through men His blessings are to be
conveyed to the world. Through them His glory is to shine forth into
the darkness of sin. In loving ministry they are to meet the sinful and
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the needy, and lead them to the cross. And in all their work, they are
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