January 14, 2024
LINK TO SERMON ON YOUTUBE
(Will expire after about 6 months)
TEXT: 1 Samuel 3:1-20
TOPIC: Calling
SERMON SUMMARY:
Samuel’s calling story began before he was born, when his mother Hannah prayed for a child and dedicated him to God. Samuel’s life and path were caused by his mother’s passionate prayers. Sometimes God moves most powerfully and dramatically through our pain. When we stop feeling sorry for ourselves and turn to God, we see Him working. Hannah’s prayers didn’t just change her son’s life but the life of the whole nation of Israel. At the moment when Hannah’s prayers culminated in Samuel’s calling, God’s patience with Eli and Israel had worn thin, and God gave a word of judgement for Samuel to tell Eli. (Don’t let Eli’s story be your story. Bring your weaknesses and faults to the community for prayer and help.) Although the fall of Eli’s house was tragic, God had already planned for a hopeful future by putting Samuel in place as the next leader.
Samuel points us to Jesus in the way he heard God’s voice and the fact that he was both a priest and prophet. Jesus followed this pattern but was a king as well as a priest and prophet. While Samuel proclaimed judgement, Jesus went much farther: he took our judgement on himself.
What does Samuel’s story show about our own callings? Callings often begin in prayer (and often the prayers of others). Callings are always an answer to a need. God meets needs by calling people. Callings depend on God’s power and wisdom to fulfill them. Callings must be responded to in faith. If God calls and we never respond, it’s as if He never called.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION & DISCUSSION:
Have you had a sense that you were called in some way? Share with someone else (or your discussion group) what you’re comfortable sharing about your calling.
If you’re not sure you have a sense of calling, begin asking God to make your calling clear. Pray about this regularly and find a couple people who might pray with you and help you recognize your calling.
Ask the Holy Spirit, “Have I responded to my calling in faith? Or is there something I need to do to fulfill my calling?” Notice what impressions come to your mind, and share them with someone you trust to help you discern whether this is God’s voice and guidance for you.
PRAYER: “Lord, I trust that you have a plan and purpose for my life. Please show me my calling more clearly. Help me to recognize your guidance and respond in faith. Holy Spirit, please empower me to fulfill this calling.”
