On Call, On Edge

-February 28, 2028-

Good morning, happy Tuesday,

“Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking leave of them, I departed for Macedonia.”

(2 Corinthians 2:13).

Early last week I received a jury summons where I had to call in after 5:00 the afternoon of February 27. This is standard operating procedure for the courts. I’m pretty sure all of us experienced this at times in our adult lives. It is our civic duty and responsibility under the law. I called in yesterday and the recording said that I didn’t need to report this morning, but I needed to call again between 11:30 and noon today for a possible afternoon session. I will let you know how it turns out.

It is hard to make plans not knowing what is going to happen. Of course being on call is part of many different jobs: firefighters, police officers, military reservists or special forces, doctors, nurses, paramedics, athletes, and others. It is not easy, one is must be prepared and ready, and stop whatever they are doing and take off.

In the spiritual life, we as believers in Christ are waiting for His coming. We will be taken up to be with the Lord at any time. We don’t know the day or the hour. Only our heavenly Father knows. Are you prepared? Do you know the Lord Jesus as your personal Savior? In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, the bridegroom was coming but a there was a long wait. At last he came. Five of them were prepared with oil in their lamps and five were not. The ones that were not, missed the great blessing of going away with the bridegroom.

In our text today, Paul was in Troas and was waiting for Titus, his brother in Christ, spiritual son, and co-laborer in the Lord’s work to show up. He waited, and waited, and waited. No Titus. Paul was troubled in his spirit at the unknown. So many times we fear the worst. In those days, communication was very limited. No cell phones, no landline phones, no texting, and no email. We would say, “How primitive!” Paul then departed and went to Macedonia by himself as God had opened a door for him there to preach the gospel.

Being on call isn’t easy, waiting patiently isn’t either. This is where our faith is tested and where our hearts must be rested. The Lord has a plan for us all and He will always work things out. Later in 2 Corinthians 7:6, it says, “Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.”

May God lead us and guide us today in whatever we may be waiting to happen, accepting it with thanksgiving. God’s appointments never have disappointments. Have a blessed day in God’s hands. Stay safe and healthy.

On call for Jesus with peace in our hearts,

Dean