Who’s Calling – Should I answer?

ANSWERING THE CALL –

Pastor Calvin Cook – February 1, 2025

Scripture – Genesis 37:12-14 ‘Now his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock near Shechem. And Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.” And he said to him, “Here I am.” ”So he said to him, “Go now, see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock, and bring me word.” So he sent him from the Valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. ‘ (ESV)

Comparing the life of Joseph to our life today. After reading in the earlier verses of Genesis 37 it is revealed that Joseph’s brothers don’t like him, scripture tells us the brothers are jealous and despise Joseph.  

And then this happens in the scripture focus this morning; Joseph’s father asks him to go check on these brothers who are far off tending the flocks. In this position, knowing what we already know, how would you respond? Honestly I would say – “Forget that !” or maybe make a half hearted attempt and return and say “I couldn’t find them, I’m sure they are OK, no news is good news.” But that wasn’t the character of Joseph. When asked or called he responded, “Here I am!”  – This phrase used in scripture in several places – is a “YES!” response. That when God says, or called to do something the response should always be “YES – Here I AM”

Now – fast forward to today. Where we are in our life, in our faith journey. “Are we answering the call?” We might be answering the call of something but is our reaction to the call according to God’s purpose, or our own. We can season our response with whatever we want it to look like, but the cold hard fact that needs resolve. Are we answering that call according to God’s plan and the Holy Spirit’s leading – or to our own desires, wishes and mind set.  Think and pray on this last sentence just a bit.

Now if you have read this far – thank you! But wait there is more. Hearing the Holy Spirit speak this morning to remind you maybe share for the first time – that God’s call is not always huge; it’s something that seems better known as common holy sense. Here are some little things that I believe God could be calling us to, the little things that will have big results.

God is calling us to :

To be in his word – to not just read scripture but digest it. To be people of prayer. To show kindness. Back into a relationship of commitment and not just visitation. To share the hope of Jesus with someone. To a better way of life. To forgiveness. To experience redemption.

Maybe God is calling you back into fellowship of a church, a Bible Study, a small group with a focus on Jesus.

Now here is the tough spot – How will you respond. Joseph’s response was “Here I Am” – “Yes” – it certainly was not Joseph’s plan, or his father’s plan, It was the plan of God. And for you and me and all of us – We will experience God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit when we say “YES” as well. It might not be easy, or popular, or worldly satisfying, but it will take us to the place where we can say “I am in the place I need to be.” (Genesis 50:19)

This call will not be according to your plan or purpose, but to God’s. Those of you with controlling personalities – be prepared in God’s call that will all end. It will no longer be your way or what you want – but Holy Spirit led, soul satisfying and life changing.

The new call begins right now – take a few minutes and listen to the Holy Spirit speaking to you and calling you to something great !