"But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John" (Luke 7:31 NIV). [emphasis mine]
That clause, "rejected God's purpose for themselves" is a real shame, especially so since it was the religious leaders, those who you'd expect to be first in line for knowing and accepting God's purposes for themselves.
By contrast, it was the "congregation" that got it. Note verse 30 of Luke 7 (NIV)...
"All the people, even the tax collectors when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John"
How about us? When we know, do we accept? God has a purpose or plan for each of us; "a hope and a future..."
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).
If you aren't sure what your purpose is, seek God with a humble and willing heart to find out and to engage in that purpose. The launching pad for that discovery would be prayer and searching the Scriptures. What are some of those initial purposes?
In John the Baptizer's day, it was repentance; a preparing themselves for Jesus' arrival and ministry. The people of John the B's day knew and did something about it; except of course, the religious leaders!
I believe that is a first course of action for each and every one of us today and that, that includes individuals from all walks of life. Repent and accept Jesus as Savior; that is first and foremost.
Look at John 3:16 and I always prefer the KJV rendering...
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life."
God's purpose is that all will come to Him in faith as He does NOT want any to perish. His purpose for "whosoever" is to have relationships with Him. He does not want us to be puffed up solely with knowledge about Him and His laws and words of Scripture. His purpose for us is to accept them personally and put them humbly into action. In so doing, we will have closer relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.
Those of us who've grown up in Christian families, hearing God's Word day and night, seven days a week and extra on Sundays, we KNOW a lot. It's a lot of "theory" if it is not practiced. Part of the relationship with God is to become more Christ-like in our character and behavior and we 'get' that by putting God's Word into action in our life.
To recap, there are two purposes we can know of straight away, for our life: salvation through Jesus Christ and secondly, to become more like Him. Then what?
This may be more difficult to ascertain. In a recent sermon I heard, the preacher was talking about using our gifts (i.e. talents, skills, and gifts) that we have. He said if you don't know your gift, then just start serving in church, etc and you'll soon discover what you are good or better at.
Willingness and availability are key in the equation. Faithfulness a necessary ingredient as well. The one who is faithful in what seems to be a small thing will be faithful in a whole lot more. As such habits are nurtured, God's purpose for your life will become more clear to you. When it does, do you accept? Do you accept if and when He calls you to even bigger purposes; more challenging ones?
Those of us who are followers of Jesus Christ don't always have it easy. This reminds one of a ditty I heard ages ago in regards to missionaries but I believe can be applied to each of us who belong to Jesus; since we are supposed to be in His service wherever we are. It goes like this:
"Where He leads me, I will follow; What He feeds me, I will swallow." ~author unknown~
By God's marvelous and matchless grace we can engage in His purposes for our lives.
Our perfect example, of course, is Jesus Christ Himself. He was sent to earth, not so we could celebrate Christmas in rejoicing at His birth, although that was a momentous occasion. He was born so that He could be the Sacrifice for one and all; for all sin; for all time.
Jesus, the Perfect One, did not have to repent of anything. He did have a wonderful relationship with His Father. Moreover, He knew His purpose and determinedly aimed at it.
He went about preaching, teaching, healing, serving the crowds, confronting the religious leaders; each step of the way showing His disciples (and subsequently, us) how to fulfill our purposes with love, care and compassion. Then the ultimate purpose...His death and resurrection to buy our pardon; making atonement for our souls.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we receive the symbols of these actions on our behalf: the bread and cup of wine, each Lord's Day, (or "as often as you eat" [1 Corinthians 11:26]). Reflect, as you do, on Jesus who...
"...resolutely set out for Jerusalem..." (Luke 9:51).
...where it all happened. There was purpose in each footfall all along the dusty roads; purpose to fulfill His purpose.
Ask yourself, "Do I? Do I have equivalent amount of resolve for my respective purpose?"
Be people who purposely and purposefully purpose to perform and perfect God's purpose for their lives, with impetus.
~ERC February 2019~
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