WHY ARE YOU CALLING?
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.” John 16:8 (NLT)
Theme: Understanding the Holy Spirit means knowing His purpose in communicating with us.
CALLER ID
Seeing the name of the person calling helps me decide whether conversation needs to happen now or if it can wait until later. This is especially true if I’m involved in cooking or eating dinner, spending time with a friend, or resting. Interruptions can be helpful, kind, and thoughtful—or they can be disruptive or distracting. If the call display says “spam risk,” I never take it. If it’s an informational recording, I can check it when I’m free. If my kids are at school and it’s a call from a teacher, the district or the front desk, I’ll take it. The school calls because they need to communicate with me about my child while they are away from me. I take those calls. We often know a possible motive of the caller by their name.
JESUS CALLING
Jesus is calling whenever we hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. “... he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment” (John 16:8, ESV). He calls to help us recognize sin. He calls to remind us of God’s power and authority. He calls to urge us to act, for time is limited.
Do you recognize His voice when He speaks? Young Samuel (who would become the well-known prophet) didn’t recognize the voice in the night at first. Samuel thought that his name was called in order to serve his master Eli. Although Eli didn’t call, Samuel’s master did. Despite that, Samuel did know that a master was calling, and he responded rightly. "Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, ‘Here I am!’’’ When God called his name, Samuel could have decided it could wait until morning. I wonder what would have happened if Samuel had ignored the voice in the night? The Holy Spirit will speak to His followers too. Be ready to hear His voice.
UNDERSTANDING WHY
Preschoolers are big into asking “Why?” My youngest is one of these. Usually, I understand his apparent reason for asking. He asks to learn: about the world, nature, other’s preferences, foods, and emotions. Preschoolers are curious. However, when we help them understand they are able to make better choices on their own or follow our directions without confusion. Therefore, I try very hard to not to show impatience with my son.
God is not impatient. He even offers explanations of His motives for our benefit and education before we ask. “...He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26b, ESV). The Holy Spirit will teach and remind us of all things. “...He will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment” (John 16:8b, ESV). He speaks to help us discern what’s happening around us, reassure us of God’s righteousness, and urge us to respond.
Make It Personal: What helps you recognize the Holy Spirit’s voice or “take His call?” For which reasons has the Holy Spirit communicated with you?
Pray: Lord, thank You for your presence as the Holy Spirit within and around me. Help me as I learn more about You. I don’t want to miss anything You are trying to say to me. I don’t want to dismiss Your voice. Thank You for providing some answers to my “why” questions.
Read: 1 Samuel 3:1-10, John 14:25-27
Weekly Memory Verse: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV)