Prepare: Positioned for God's Purposes預覽

All four Gospels affirm that John’s purpose was God-ordained. It’s easy to accept this truth for someone like John—but what about you? Do you see God’s purpose for your own life? Understanding God’s purpose for you is foundational to knowing how He has called you to live. His plans shape every part of our lives, including the way we prepare to serve Him.

Preparation is always informed by purpose. Astronauts and pastry chefs prepare differently because their tasks—and the demands of their work—are distinct. Similarly, John’s preparation was uniquely tied to his prophetic calling. Luke 1:15 tells us he was to “drink no wine or strong drink,” a practice reflecting his divine appointment to be “great before the Lord” and “filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.” His abstention symbolized a life set apart as a prophet, aligning with Old Testament expectations for those called to holy work (cf. Leviticus 10:9, Numbers 6:1-5).

John’s preparation was intentional and directly connected to his calling. Luke 1:16 reveals his life would be an instrument in God’s hands, turning many in Israel back to the Lord. Similarly, understanding our purpose is critical for preparing to fulfill God’s mission in our generation.

Scripture makes our purpose clear: we are created to glorify God. Isaiah 43:7 declares we are formed for His glory, and 1 Corinthians 10:31 calls us to glorify Him in all we do. The Westminster Shorter Catechism captures this truth: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.”

Preparation for God’s call is often simpler than we think. Living for His purposes in small, everyday moments lays the foundation for whatever He may entrust to us. Whether it’s studying diligently, parenting with patience, or working with integrity when no one is watching, every moment matters. How can we step into larger responsibilities if we haven’t been faithful in smaller ones?

REFLECTION:
How can understanding your ultimate purpose (to glorify God) influence the small, seemingly mundane tasks you face daily?