The Power of Calling

The Spirit of The Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me

to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty

to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty

those who are oppressed, to proclaim he year of the Lord’s favor.

-          Luke 4:18-19, ESV

I know of nothing that is as empowering as a clear sense of calling. To know, without a doubt, what it is that God has called you to do. It is doubtful that anyone has ever been as clear as Jesus was when it comes to calling. When in Nazareth, Jesus went to the synagogue, as was His custom, and was asked to read. Jesus chose to read a portion of Isaiah which was a prophecy that pointed to Him. Not only was it a prophecy pointing toward Him, it was a declaration of His purpose: proclaim the good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed. With laser-like focus, Jesus knew His purpose.

Before we even get to move out of Luke 4, we see how powerful this calling was at work in Jesus. In verses 42-43 people are trying to detain Jesus. As they try to keep Him from leaving them He says, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.”

Jesus knew His calling. He knew His purpose. Such clarity allowed Jesus to stay on track. This is the sort of clarity that we must seek. What has God called us to? What are our lives to be about? What “good things” are we allowing to get in the way of the “main thing”? Let’s be committed to seeking out God’s purpose and direction for our lives and do our best to avoid distractions.