Encountering the Holy: God’s Call and Our Response

Bible Passage: Exodus 3:1–15, Psalm 45, Hebrews 9:11–15, John 8:46–59

Summary: These passages illustrate God's holiness, His calling of individuals to serve Him, and the mission of Jesus as the ultimate High Priest who reconciles humanity with God.

Application: Understanding our calling from God, and the significance of responding to His holiness can guide Christians in their daily lives, helping them navigate struggles with purpose and identity in Christ.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that God calls us out of our ordinary lives into a purpose-driven relationship with Him, exemplified by Moses' encounter at the burning bush, the fulfillment of that call in Christ, and the expectation for us to live holy lives.

How this passage could point to Christ: In these texts, Christ is revealed as not only the answer to the call of God but also as the embodiment of God's holiness, fully preparing believers to meet God through His sacrificial role as High Priest.

Big Idea: God's holy call on our lives demands a response that acknowledges His supremacy and our identity as His chosen people.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, I suggest exploring the nuances of Moses' interaction with God in Exodus 3 using Logos, especially focusing on the implications of the burning bush as a symbol of holiness. Additionally, consider studying the intertextual references in Hebrews regarding Christ's priesthood, as this will deepen your understanding of why Jesus must fulfill the role of mediator. Reflecting on the cultural context of Psalm 45 may also enrich your sermon regarding royal imagery and its connection to Christ.

1. Curiosity to Conviction

Exodus 3:1-6

Maybe draw attention to Moses' initial curiosity and subsequent awe as he encounters God in the burning bush. Emphasize how God interrupts our ordinary to reveal His extraordinary, drawing us into His holiness. Consider sharing how this revelation transforms Moses' identity from a shepherd to a leader, paralleling our transformation as we respond to God's call with reverence.

2. Calling and Commission

Exodus 3:7-15

You could highlight God's compassionate awareness of Israel's suffering and His decisive plan to deliver them through Moses. Stress how God equips those He calls, turning our inadequacies into His opportunities. This passage reflects our need to trust in God's provision and purposes, much like Moses had to rely on God's promise and name—'I AM'—as his foundation.

3. A Royal Response

Psalm 45

Perhaps delve into the royal imagery and prophetic vision of a divine king that Psalm 45 portrays, linking it to Christ as our ultimate Lord and Bridegroom. This can serve as a reminder of the glory and majesty woven into God's calling for our lives and how we ought to respond with joyful allegiance and worship.

4. Redemption Realized

Hebrews 9:11-15

You might explain how Christ, as the greater High Priest, enters once for all into the holy places, securing our redemption. This point can encourage listeners to see Jesus as the fulfillment of God's call and the perfecter of our faith, inviting us into a new covenant relationship characterized by grace and transformation.

5. Responding to Revelation

John 8:46-59

Consider focusing on Jesus' dialogue with the Pharisees, asserting His pre-existence and divine identity. Highlight how Jesus embodies God's holiness, and His call to eternal truth demands our response. Reflect on His 'I AM' declaration, urging believers to live out their identity rooted in Christ's eternal and redemptive nature.