BIBLE STUDY: Know Yourself
A. BACKGROUND... I’ve enjoyed this Bible Study series on “calling” so much I decided to preach on it July 18th. I picked the topic as a filler for Bible Study, planning on a week or two. Instead, the level of discussion and fun have been a surprise. So, two more weeks. To summarize: a “calling” is the sense that God needs you to do, say, or accomplish something that puts to use your talents, interests, abilities, sensitivities. Maybe even ones you didn’t know you had. It’s the sense that you are on God’s mind to get something done. To watch/listen to my sermon “You are Called” on Facebook or on YouTube. Listen and share!
C. SUMMARY... We know nothing of Jesus from age 12-30. Then he goes to the Jordan River to be baptized, after which God’s voice and the Holy Spirit affirm his mission as the Son of God. Jesus then goes into the wilderness for a 40 day fast during which “the devil tempted him” (verse 2). The devil first tempts him to break the fast. Second, Jesus is offered the world “if you worship me,” the devils says. Third, Jesus is tempted to show off his power by playing with it for no purpose other than ego. Jesus rejects all temptations and “the Devil left until an opportune time” (verse 13).
Next, Jesus returns to his hometown, Nazareth, attends the synagogue, and is given the honor of reading that day’s scripture. Taken from Isaiah 61, it describes the work of the Messiah as providing “good news... freedom... recovery... release” for the most vulnerable, hurting people. Jesus declares “Today this scripture is fulfilled” here and now (verse 21).
D. KEY POINTS
1. TESTING. We all feel “nudges” to do something, say something, intervene in ways that are big or small, dangerous or mundane. Where does the nudge, idea, calling, or pull come from? God, or your own head? Voices, visions, dreams, calling, impulse, ideas – how do we know it is from God and/or it is right? I look at the “calling” of Jesus as a three-step process. The baptismal experience, with a supernatural affirmation, must have given him the sense that he was on the right path. Defeating the devil at his own game by rejecting temptation gave Jesus the sense that he could do the work he was called to do. And then, his visit to his hometown synagogue and the scripture given to him to read must have felt like the “Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.” Isaiah’s scripture laid out the job description of the Messiah. In effect, Jesus reads the scripture, sits down, and says “that’s me, that’s my calling.” Taken together you have a good example of how “calling” takes hold. There’s something that needs to be done. God wants it done. It’s up your alley to do it.
2. Opposition/Doubt. Being “called” doesn’t come with a guarantee of popularity of smooth sailing or success. Depending on what it is you are called to do, there can be people who disagree, who oppose, who urge caution or to go slow, or who are worried for you. Jesus began his ministry with two confrontations, the devil, and his own hometown! The devil wanted to undermine Jesus’ sense of call, to plant seeds of doubt, to distract. Jesus’ hometown couldn’t handle the idea of one of their own urging them to get involved in such an activist religious life focused on marginalized people. Too upsetting. Too uncomfortable. Too “out of the box”.
Many of us have been involved in a “family intervention”. Some behavior is out of control and needs to be addressed. So, 3-5 close people come together to intervene. It isn’t easy. It is uncomfortable. Maybe unwelcome. Jesus’ calling shows us the need for focus, commitment, inner strength – all based on the sense that you are called. Some things need to be done. And sometimes by you.
