Sermon snippet – The Holy Calling of God – Part II
INTRODUCTION – II Timothy 1:8-12 is clear: God has “called us with [a] holy calling” (verse 9). The One Who calls us is holy, as is the calling and the result of that calling. As we saw last week, this calling includes our work and our homes and requires patience. From Genesis 37:1-11, let us further consider this subject.
1. WE ARE CALLED TO BE FAITHFUL IN SMALL THINGS
Long before Joseph became the second most powerful leader in Egypt, he was “feeding the flock” (verse 2). Tending the animals was a way of life back then, but it was not exciting or flashy. It was also not part of the usual training to lead a major nation. However, God knew of Joseph’s faithfulness to the flock and thus to his father, Jacob. This simple, day-to-day loyalty was a proving ground for Joseph.
2. WE ARE THEN CALLED TO BE FAITHFUL IN LARGER THINGS
Joseph is often criticized for revealing God’s dream to his family (verses 5-11); he should not be. An abiding principle is that God’s words should be made known to others; after all, the purpose of revelation is to reveal. The whole family should have been thrilled that God had spoken to them through Joseph. Jacob’s response in verse 11 is the right one: he accepts that Joseph is ordained by God to be a spiritual leader. What does spiritual leadership look like? Certainly our best model is Jesus. Some Biblical leaders were gifted speakers (Aaron, Apollos); others were not (Moses, Paul). Some were forceful personalities (Nehemiah, Peter); others were not so dominant (Gideon, Timothy). Some were obviously successful (Joshua, Jonah); others suffered (Isaiah, John the Baptist). What connects these leaders is their genuine faith and “holy calling.”
CONCLUSION – Let us draw three helpful principles from this account. First, God cares about small things (II Kings 6:1-7). Second, some small things have big results (I Kings 18:41-45; Matthew 25:40). Third, we must be faithful (Revelation 3:11). Remember, these seemingly small things are in the loving hands of a big God. We are called to be saved through faith in God the Son, Jesus Christ, and we are called to serve Him as He chooses.