The phrase “man of God” appears in the Bible 70 times. Six occurrences refer to Moses. Two refer to angels. Twenty are either generic references to any man of God, or refer to unnamed men, usually prophets. Four refer to Samuel. Two refer to Shemaiah, the prophet during the days of Rehoboam. Six refer to Elijah. Twenty-six refer to Elisha. Two refer to David. One refers to Igdaliah, and one refers to Timothy. The common thread that connects each of these men, who are for all-time called “man of God,” is that each of them was appointed by the Lord to carry His Word. They were called for that work because God knew that they would obey.
Could we be rightfully called men of God? Does the Lord even bother to make Himself known to us? Does He know that He will be honored, obeyed, and acknowledged in our hearts?
They lyrics of much of our modern worship music are pleas to God that He would reveal Himself to us, and that He would take us into a deeper relationship with Him (both admirable desires). But, we would be well-served to ask how we can come to know Him better. And we would do well to get into the Bible for our answers. 2 Chronicles 16:9 teaches that God looks to “show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” In John 14:15, Jesus says: “If you love me, you will keep My commandments.” And, in verse 23, He elaborates by saying: “If anyone loves Me, He will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.” Then, in chapter 15:3-17, He teaches that if we walk in obedience to Him (what He calls keeping His Word in ourselves [verse 7]), then He will work through us, answering our prayers, and keeping us in His love (verse 10).
I want for the Lord to be able to call me a “man of God.” I want to be a man that His eyes find who will go and obey when sent. We don’t have to wish for it. He has already prepared works for us (Ephesians 2:10). Will we walk in them?