Calling and Purpose—Selected Examples from Scripture and Life—Part One, Old Testament

The themes of calling and purpose are significant ones that we see throughout Scripture. In this and several following posts, we’ll look at selected examples from the Bible—both Old and New Testaments, as well as at some more contemporary called ones.

 

Selected Old Testament Scriptural Examples

 

Abraham and Sarah (Abram and Sarai)—Genesis 12:1-9.


·         Called to leave their country, their people, their home.

·         Called to go to a place that God would show them.

·         At age seventy-five.

·         To be a blessing to the nations.


 

The Prophet Samuel—1 Samuel 3:1-11.

·         Hearing God’s voice; needing another to help discern.

·         Ultimately to be the prophet who guides Israel, anoints their first king (Saul) and their second (and arguably greatest) king—David.

 

Moses--Exodus 3:1-10.


·         To Pharaoh, to bring God’s people (the Israelites) out of Egypt.

·         At age 80.

·         A freedom mission.


 

Isaiah--Isaiah 6:1-8.


·         Go.

·         Be God’s spokesperson.

·         Respond with “here I am—send me.”


 

Deborah--Judges 4:1-5.


·         Prophet.

·         Wife.

·         Leader.

·         Judge.

·         Army advisor.

·         Mother.

·         Singer/leader in worship.


 

Daniel--Daniel 1:1-20; 2:48-49.

·         Called to be faithful to God and his commands.

·         God grants favor and compassion from officials.

·         God gives knowledge, understanding, vision, dreams—ten times better than all the king’s wise men.

·         Placed in a high court position—over all of Babylon; uses position of influence to request important administrative jobs for his friends.

 

Esther--The Book of Esther

·         Chosen Queen of all of Persia.

·         Called to use her position to speak up on behalf of her people—to save them.

 

Nehemiah--Nehemiah 1:1-11;  2:1-20;  4:1-23; 6:15.


·         Placed in trusted position of cupbearer to the king—while in exile.

·         Being the agent of God’s intervention for the remnant.

·         Inspiring leader.

·         Strong administrator.

·         Rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem.

·         Facing opposition with courage.


 

Reflect:

What other examples does this list bring to mind?

 

What implications for your own calling and purpose seem to be stirring?

 

With which of the above examples do you most resonate?  Why?

 

Is this perhaps a clue as to your own calling and purpose? Describe:

 

Seek out a coach, mentor, trusted advisor to help you discern next steps.

 

Pray.

 

[Continued in the next few blog posts.]

 

 

Important resources:

 

 

Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, DIOS. DONES. TÚ.: Tu llamado y diseño único (Spanish Edition), and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with hundreds of faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and executive leaders in a diversity of fields for four decades. She currently serves as Catalyst for Equipping at her church.

 

Photo © Shirley Giles Davis. 

All rights reserved.

 

Shirley Giles Daviscalling and purpose, Abraham and Sarah, prophet Samuel and calling, moses and calling and purpose, Isaiah and calling, here I am, send me, Deborah and calling, Daniel and purpose, Esther and calling and purpose, Nehemiah and calling, free gifts assessment