God’s Call to Commitment
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The teacher opened the class by recalling a recent family gathering and then shifted to a historic vignette about President Abraham Lincoln, whose personal sorrow and quest for a challenging sermon illustrated how even great leaders seek God’s higher call. Using Lincoln’s disappointment with a sermon that failed to challenge him, the teacher argued that God consistently calls His people to rise above their current state, citing biblical examples such as Noah’s ark, Abraham’s covenant, Moses at the burning bush, and Joshua’s conquest of Canaan. The centerpiece of the lesson moved to Exodus 19:4‑6, where God reminds Israel of His mighty works and issues a conditional invitation to be a treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation if they obey fully. The teacher emphasized that this call is not a casual relationship but a deep, lifelong vow, referencing the Nazarite vow as an ultimate dedication. The discussion then connected the Old Testament pattern to New Testament mandates, highlighting the Great Commandment (Matt. 22:37‑39) and the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19‑20) as Christ’s call to love God, love neighbor, and make disciples. The class concluded by urging each participant to examine their personal commitment, consider the weight of a vow, and respond to God’s enduring invitation for higher dedication in their lives.
Key Scriptures
You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. You have seen what I've done with my own hand. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all peoples you will be my own possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.'
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'