Standing on the Inside

Worship on Sunday was focused on the Call to Worship -- it's role in liturgy and in life.  The call requires the person leading the call and the person responding.  Both are required for the call to be heard and answered.

Joe postulated that the call to worship begins when we stand up.  By standing, we, the worshipers, are stating our intention to answer the call. 

When we answer the call, there are times when we in turn, become the one who is calling. For instance, when we join the United Methodist Church, we are answering a call, and we are promising, among other things, to give of our witness -- calling others to faith.

Joe told us -- and I love this image -- that there are those in the world who are already standing inside, waiting for the call to worship.  They have stated their intention to respond, but they are waiting to be called.

Will we call?