May 10
1 Sam 8:1-9:27 | PS 106:32-48 | Prov 14:34-35 | John 6:22-42
So many make serious choices in life based on what seems to make the most logical choice based on many worldly factors. Currently the main factor seems to be work-life balance, but many choose vocations, where to live, whom to associate with based on money, power, the ability to socially climb, or a whole host of other items. If you want to experience joy in life, seek that which God has called you to do, and if you follow this calling don't forget that it is always about God and never about you. I explain this to many of the medical and nursing students that I encounter, in addition to many of my patients and many at church. I'm blessed to be an Obstetrician-Gynecologist. It's not that there are not better things to do, but years ago I felt God lead me to this field. In my earlier years I didn't see it as the ministry it has become. Recently I was asked why I had so much energy at the end of a long and tedious call at the hospital, and I explained that throughout the day I have many opportunities to serve God, and in those moments when alone in my call room, I don't nap, but instead prepare my upcoming studies for my home Bible study. In another recent conversation with a patient in the hospital, she asked me if I saw my reviews that are posted. I truthfully told her that I have never looked at my reviews. If they are favorable then they might puff me up and I could think that it is about me rather than being about being God's vessel, being God's servant. No matter what one does in life, seek that which God has called you to do.
Samuel was truly called by God, but now the people of Israel did not want God, they sought to be like the other nations around them, as we read in 1 samuel 8:6-9, "Samuel was displeased with their request and went to the Lord for guidance. “Do everything they say to you,” the Lord replied, “for they are rejecting me, not you. They don’t want me to be their king any longer. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually abandoned me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment. Do as they ask, but solemnly warn them about the way a king will reign over them.”" We soon meet the first king, Saul, and he started out humble when called, as we read in 9:20-21, "...And I am here to tell you that you and your family are the focus of all Israel’s hopes.” Saul replied, “But I’m only from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important of all the families of that tribe! Why are you talking like this to me?”" Sadly, we will see in time that Saul lost this humility and eventually lifted himself up in pride.
Most never find their way, or when they find it soon lose it, following one wrong worldly path after another. The people of Israel did, as they were told in 1 Samuel 8:18, "When that day comes, you will beg for relief from this king you are demanding, but then the Lord will not help you.” Jesus knew, and warned the people to seek Him, not for the worldly things that He could provide, but for so much more, as we read in John 6:26-27, "Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.”" Jesus again encourages us to follow Him, as we read in 6:35-37, "Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But you haven’t believed in me even though you have seen me. However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them." It doesn't matter what path you might have chosen, Jesus can steer you on that right path. It doesn't matter what vocation you have chosen, Jesus can show you opportunities you have missed up until now. Seek His calling in your life and your life will be full. Change careers if God leads you to. Retire only when God leads you to. Change where you live if God leads you to. Seek less what makes earthly sense, and seek less the worldly advice that others give. Seek God all of your life and follow that which He calls you to do until one day He calls you to your true home in heaven.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: