Bedside Watchman They That Call Upon The Lord

Last Updated on : October 11, 2014

The Bedside Watchman

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May 9th -- Acts 22

They That Call Upon The Lord

Stephen just before his execution, had a clear vision of his Advocate at the right hand of god, and was both comforted and strengthened in his faith thereby. "And they stoned Stephen, calling upon the Lord, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" (Acts 7:54-60). The believers suffering persecution at the hands of Saul of Tarsus are described as "all that call upon thy name" and "them which call upon this name" (9:14:21). Paul's own conversion caused a deep pricking in his heart, and so he eagerly responded to Ananias' exhortation: "And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptised and wash away thy sins, calling upon the name of the Lord" (22:16). How closely this follows Peter's advice to the assembled multitude at Pentecost!

In 1 Cor. 1:2 we see once more what we could almost describe as a "fellowship of calling and being called," when Paul addresses the brethren as "sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, both theirs and ours." With such a calling who could turn away from the exhortation to "flee youthful lusts ... with them that call upon the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Tim. 2:22)?

Alfred Nicholls, The Spirit of God, page 136