Called 4 Jesus

by TA York

1 Peter 1:14-15

“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.”

One night, during a conversation with the Holy Spirit, He spoke something unexpected to me. He told me that I was a “goose.” At first, I simply replied, “Okay,” not entirely sure what He meant by such a comparison.

He then explained: “In most churches, you have to be a duck to be accepted. You have to walk, talk, and act like a duck to fit in. Yet, you are a goose.” In that moment, I understood. There are people who simply do not fit into the standard mold because they are “geese.” These are the individuals who don’t just fall into line or blindly follow a group; they refuse to hang solely on the words of a pastor because they are driven to discover Bible doctrine for themselves.

In many ways, these “geese” were the very foundation of the Reformation. Consider the example of Jan Hus. In his native Bohemian language, the name Hus literally means “Goose.”

The Legacy of the Goose

Hus wrote De Ecclesia (The Church), a work that laid the groundwork for future spiritual revolution. He advocated for the church to return to Christ as the center of faith and pushed for the Bible to be translated into the common language so that everyone could build a personal relationship with Jesus. Because he spoke out against the corrupt practices of the 15th-century church, he was labeled a heretic.

When Hus was sentenced to death by fire for challenging the worldly powers of his day, his final words were prophetic:

“You are going to cook a goose now, but in a century, you will have a swan which you can neither roast nor boil.”

The “ducks” of that day thought they had won. Yet, exactly 102 years later, that prophecy was fulfilled when Martin Luther—the “swan”—nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg church.

A Call to Holiness

Today, it is time once again for God’s people to turn fully and completely to Christ. We live in a nation filled with wickedness, where even many who confess to be Christians remain entangled in purposeful sin. We must ask ourselves: Is it right to effectively place Jesus back on the cross? Should He be whipped again because of our continued, intentional disobedience? Absolutely not.

We are called to proclaim the true Gospel loudly. While men may judge us wrongly, and we may face persecution or be “slain all the day long,” we must endure. Often, the sharpest pain comes from the persecution of those we call our brothers and sisters. May God give us the desire to burn with the same conviction as Hus, and may we sing even louder than he did amidst the flames.

2 Corinthians 4:2 reminds us:

“Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.”

Returning to the Source

The time for revival has come, but it can only happen if we place Jesus Christ back on the throne. He is the head of the Church—not any man, and not any teaching that seeks to take His place. Scripture is clear: there is no other way to the Father except through Him. There are no additions or subtractions required; it is Christ alone.

Jesus is our only source of heavenly power. We do not need beads, statues, indulgences, or prayers to others. We must ask ourselves: what idols have taken His place? It is time to study your Bible to cultivate a personal relationship with the Creator. While it is good to be involved in church and listen to your pastors, you must be a “Berean”—search the Scriptures and learn about Jesus for yourself (see Acts 17:11).

The truth of the Bible is written in blood. Many have died so that you could read these words freely, following the ultimate example set by Jesus. Honor Him by reading His words.

2 Corinthians 4:8-12

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed… So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.”

Today is the day of repentance. Will you be a “goose” for the Kingdom?

Sing the song of the “geese.”

God bless.