AVAAT

A VERSE AT A TIME

TOPIC: BECOMING PURPOSE-BUILT

TEXT: JOHN 1:10-15

KEY VERSE: But whoever did want him, who believed he was who he claimed and would do what he said, He made to be their true selves, their child-of-God selves. John 1:12(MSG)

Who you believe Jesus is and what you think he can do determines the course of your life. Jesus was born through supernatural means and came with a mission to restore humanity to its true self and fulfil God’s earthly purpose. Despite being doubted by his people, the Jews, who saw him only as a miracle worker, healer, and good teacher, Jesus claimed to be the son of God. Those who believed in his claims received the authority and power that restored their identity from enemies of God to God’s children.

But now, you who were once far off have been brought near through the shedding of the Messiah’s blood. So then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers. On the contrary, you are fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s family. Ephesians 2:13,19(CJB)

The family you are born into significantly impacts your identity, physical appearance, personality, and possessions. However, your choices and the opportunities life presents determine who you become. During Jesus’ time, all Jews had the chance to hear him preach and call people to follow him, but only a few, such as Peter, accepted his invitation to become “Fishers of Men.”

Jesus said to them, “Come, follow me, and I will make you a different kind of fisherman. You will bring in people, not fish.”” Matthew 4:19(ERV)

Peter had skills and abilities, but to fulfil God’s purpose for his life, he needed preparation and training. Jesus spent over three years teaching, instructing, correcting, and modelling the life he wanted his followers to live. We need to transform ourselves into what God has ordained for us to fulfil God’s purpose. This transformation involves becoming individuals who reflect God’s image, adopt his values, and submit to his will.

God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his son. Romans 8:29(MSG)  

Don’t change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but let God change you inside with a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to understand and accept what God wants for you. You will be able to know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect. Romans 12:2(ERV)

“When we accept God’s nature, we allow Him to shape us into the vessel He wants us to be. Our purpose in life is determined by the calling God has placed on us. He uses our experiences and upbringing to mould us into the person best suited for His purpose. For example, David’s time spent as a shepherd in the wilderness prepared him to become a warrior King. Instead of becoming bitter and angry when his father made him run errands, he used his daily tasks as preparation for his destiny.”

In a large house, there are things made of gold and silver. But there are also things made of wood and clay. Some of these are used for special purposes, others for ordinary jobs. 2 Timothy 2:20(ERV)

“All the details of our lives matter. For instance, David developed musical skills and proficiency with the harp during his isolation. When we allow God to work in our lives, He turns even negative experiences into tools that shape us into purpose-built individuals. Jesus came to earth and became like us to be a faithful and merciful priest. Since you experienced your new birth, what have you become?”

Jesus was the Son of God, but he still suffered, and through his sufferings, he learned to obey whatever God says.Hebrews 5:8(ERV)

For this reason, Jesus had to be made like us, his brothers and sisters, in every way. He became like people so that he could be their merciful and faithful high priest in service to God. Then, he could bring forgiveness for the people’s sins.Hebrews 2:17(ERV)

The coming of the Holy Spirit to live within us makes the transformation possible. He leads and guides us to make choices and actions that propel us in the path God has ordained us to take. Just as the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness and later anointed him to do good works, the Spirit led Peter to preach on Pentecost, and thousands got converted, even though he had previously denied Jesus before a maid.

Reflection Questions

1. What has been God’s purpose for your life? 
2. What experiences have transformed you? 
3. How have you developed? 
4. What skills have you mastered?

Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash