Last week, we heard the story of Jesus’ baptism as he answered God’s call to ministry. This week’s scriptures remind us that all people have a calling in God’s world. Martin Luther called this “the priesthood of all believers,” but this theology predates Luther. Our reading from 1 Samuel tells us that God calls not just pastors and deacons but also the youngest child, like Samuel, who answers, “Here I am, for you called me.” Likewise, in the story of Nathanael we witness the calling of a skeptic rather than a believer. Nathanael initially dismisses Jesus because he comes from Nazareth. Yet, a simple invitation, “Come and see,” transitions into bold discipleship, “Come, follow me.” Those same invitations are extended to us still today. We have come to worship, and what have we seen? We have come to worship, and do we leave saying, “Here I am, for you called me”?
image: Unknown person reaching out. Copyright © Andrea Matone/age fotostock/Superstock. Used by permission.