January 17, 2021

Breaking Open the Scripture Scripture for January 17, 2021: 1 Samuel 3:1-20, Psalm 139:1-6,13-18, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51: Theme: Human Relations Sunday: Song: Here I am Lord UMH 593 Samuel: After reflecting on the meaning of baptism, this is the time to reflect on what it means to be called by God. This is one the most important call stories in the bible. The calling of Samuel. Samuel was left in the temple by his mother Hannah as an offering to God. Eli, the priest raised him as his own. Eli’s own children were priest, but they were not good faithful people. While Samuel was a child, heard God’s voice very clearly. He followed that voice all the way into adulthood. Interestingly, his children were not faithful followers either. Being called by God is a very personal thing, it comes from deep within your spirit. The story says that when God spoke to Samuel, he was not faithful either. But he was willing to listen to God and he was willing to grow in God. The scripture says that God’s word at that time was treasure like gold. I think today God speaks every day, but we don’t always listen. John: Every gospel writer tells a story of how Jesus was able to recruit the 12 disciples. Jesus got to know people and observed their behavior. He was able to recognize that relationship that they had with the spiritual. Then Jesus would get to know them personally and talk with them. Jesus must have had a magnetic personality that was able to draw people to him. Nathaniel was amazed when he realized that the Son of God had recognized him and wanted him to be a part of the team. Jesus tells him that as he gets to know Jesus he will be able to see even greater things in life. The disciples were so impressed with what they saw that they were willing to follow this person to the cross, through death to eternity. Questions: Have you ever heard God’s voice personally? What is the spirit leading you to do for the world? How far are you willing to follow Jesus? How have you convinced someone personally to be a Christian?