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God's Called Ones

I wish to begin this address by congratulating the graduates and their families. Certainly, this is a day of celebration and accomplishment for you.

The Appalachian Trail stretches 2,175 miles across 14 states. About 4 million people use the trail annually. Each year an average of 2,000 people attempt a thru-hike of the trail, passing through wild forest and suburban sprawl. Only about one in four completes the 2,175-mile trail. Hikers often seek solitude along the trail, but many people pitch in to ease the difficult journey. It is said that no one walks the Appalachian Trail alone. Along the journey are keepers of shelters who give weary hikers a place to stay and rest and sojourners who offer companionship and encouragement. No one walks the Appalachian Trail alone.

Graduates – you did not walk this trail alone. Along this trail was dedicated faculty instructing you, friends encouraging you, and family supporting you. Today, we congratulate you for completing this journey, and we commend those who walked with you. You did not walk this trail alone.

You are not unlike the disciples on the day that our Lord addressed them on the mountain in Galilee. For three years they had walked along the trail with Jesus, a trail that abruptly ended at the foot of the cross.

Now, the resurrected Jesus assembled the disciples for one last time of instruction. Jesus commissioned his disciples to begin a new journey – a trail that he had prepared them to walk.

Listen to the Gospel of Matthew as we read the great commission:

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matt 28:18-20 (NIV)

This passage informs what I wish to say to you on this very significant day in your life.

First, remember your call.

Henry Blackaby wrote a book entitled, The Power of the Call.  Blackaby reminds us that we have been chosen by God for God’s purposes, in God’s time and place, to serve Him in God’s way.

We are called not by human will, but by the will of God. The Apostle Paul clearly understood this. He wrote:

“Paul, an apostle--sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.” Galatians 1:1 

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.” Col 1:1-2 (NIV)

Paul emphasizes the fact that our call is not from men, but from God and by the will of God.

God, the Creator of the universe,

the Redeemer of all,

the Sustainer of everything,

the Sovereign over all time and eternity chose you to serve Him.

The God who called Abraham to leave the comforts of the familiar to go to the unknown land,

The God who called Moses to lead His people out of bondage in Egypt;

The God who called Joshua to lead His people into the

Promised Land;

The God who called the prophets and the disciples;

The God who called Paul to go to the Gentile.

He is the same God who has called you.

You are God’s called Ones – always remember who you are – God has chosen you.

That is why you came to a place like Nazarene Bible College. Through your years here, we have diligently sought to prepare you to evangelize, disciple, and minister to the world.

You came to NBC to prepare for the call of God upon your life – as you go from this place of preparation – always remember your calling as you walk the trail God has planned for you.

Second, respond to the commission.

“19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

As a disciple you are to make disciples of all nations. Nothing should get in the way of this command. What does it mean to “make disciples”?

To “make disciples” means to bring a person into a relationship with Christ and to nurture that person toward Christlikeness.

Making disciples begins by sharing the Good News of the Gospel. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to SAVE the world through him.” John 3:15-16

In a world that is broken, living in darkness, with no hope – you will bring a message of wholeness, light, and hope.

Making disciples is not just Sunday work. We are called to make disciples in our going, wherever we are and whatever else we may be doing.

The Daily Bread devotional book illustrates this truth by recounting a story from the Life of Francis of Assisi.

Francis once invited a young monk to join him on a trip to town to preach. Honored to be given the invitation, the monk readily accepted.

All day long he and Francis walked through the streets, byways, and alleys, and even into the suburbs. They rubbed shoulders with hundreds of people. At day's end, the two headed back home.  Not even once had Francis addressed a crowd, nor had he talked to anyone about the gospel. Greatly disappointed, his young companion said, "I thought we were going into town to preach."

Francis responded, "My son, we have preached. We were preaching while we were walking. We were seen by many and our behavior was closely watched. It is of no use to walk anywhere to preach unless we preach everywhere as we walk! 

We are Christians first—disciples called to make disciples! Therefore, our primary focus is the work of our Lord—to make disciples in the nations. No matter where we work or play or study, we are called to make disciples.

Making Christlike disciples in the nations is our mission. Will you respond to that mission? Will you build redemptive relationships with the people along the trail God leads you on?

Will you communicate the goodness of God through your words and deeds? Will you be ready to lead that person to Christ and to nurture them toward Christlikeness? The Holy Spirit will work in you to fulfill our Lord's mission through you.

Third, rely on Christ, your companion on the trail.

The Gospel ends, not with a command, but with the promise of Jesus' comforting presence.

And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

As you walk this new trail – you will not walk it alone. The promise of our Lord is His abiding presence. Christ has offered to be your companion through all of life.

He is with us during the good days and the bad days of life.

He is with us in the happy times and in the sad times.

He is with us when we are healthy and when we are sick.

He is with us when we are liked and when we are despised or misunderstood.

He is with us when we are young and when we are old. 

He is with us in sunny days as well as in cloudy days.

Pikes Peak Illustration: most of the time it stands majestically in the skies –

Sometimes clouds roll in around it, above, below it, but you can still see it. There are times when the clouds completely cover it. It is hidden from view.

If you were driving into the city for the first time you would ask, where is the mountain? We could point west and say – it is behind those clouds. There was never been a day that I doubted that the mountain was behind those clouds.

He stays with you when the seas of life give smooth sailing, and He is with you when the waters are rough and skies stormy.

Even when it seems that the end is near, He is with us to take us through whatever dark valley we may be passing through.

Christ never leaves you, ever. He never has and He never will. He is with you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, every year that you walk this earth.

You can rely on Christ, your companion on the new trail God will lead you along.

“18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matt 28:18-20 (NIV)

So, graduates, remember your call, respond to the commission, and rely on Christ your companion.

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV)

Harold B. Graves, Jr., Nazarene Bible College President, NBC Commencement Address given on May 29, 2021 to the graduates of classes 2020 and 2021.

Published: 06/01/2021

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