There is often something surprising about the way God calls. Today we see Saul doing something very mundane, that is looking for some lost donkeys. In the midst of this ordinary task, God calls him to something greater, to be king. It must have been confusing for Saul to understand what God wanted. Israel had never had a king before.

It is not necessary for Saul to understand everything, it is just necessary for him to accept the prophet's anointing, to say ‘yes’ to God.

In the case of Matthew’s call, Jesus meets Matthew at his place of work. Shockingly, Jesus is calling someone who performs a job that is considered dirty and sinful by most people of the time. Yet, Jesus accepts Matthew and enjoys a meal together with him. Christ has come not to call the perfect, but rather, people who are in need of his love, who are in need of his salvation.

Each one of us is called by Jesus to something. We are called because Christ longs to cooperate with us. He invites us to continue his mission now in 2014 together with him.

Have you ever been surprised by Christ’s call or voice in your life? How is he inviting you to cooperate with him?