HOPE AT THE MOVIES // “Spider-Man Far From Home” and God’s Call

God Calls All, but Sometimes We Need Help Discerning

• 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (NLT) | ¹ Meanwhile, the boy Samuel served the Lord by assisting Eli. Now in those days messages from the Lord were very rare, and visions were quite uncommon. ² One night Eli, who was almost blind by now, had gone to bed. ³ The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was sleeping in the Tabernacle near the Ark of God. ⁴ Suddenly the Lord called out, “Samuel!” “Yes?” Samuel replied. “What is it?” ⁵ He got up and ran to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” “I didn’t call you,” Eli replied. “Go back to bed.” So he did. ⁶ Then the Lord called out again, “Samuel!” Again Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” “I didn’t call you, my son,” Eli said. “Go back to bed.” ⁷ Samuel did not yet know the Lord because he had never had a message from the Lord before. ⁸ So the Lord called a third time, and once more Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” Then Eli realized it was the Lord who was calling the boy. ⁹ So he said to Samuel, “Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went back to bed. ¹⁰ And the Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.”
• Caller ID sure would be helpful!
• We all need someone whom we know is walking with the Lord.

What Is God’s Call?

• 1 Peter 2:9-10 (MSG) | But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.
  • God’s call is eternal with daily responsibilities
  • Once your story lines up with God, it becomes HIStory, and HIStory must be proclaimed!

Spider-Man: Far From Home Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FALN_2WOSkM

• Peter knew Nick Fury was calling, but the call interfered with his plans.
• Peter hoped he could get around to the call later

God’s Call Requires a Response

• Matthew 4:18-20 (NLT) | ¹⁸ As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁹ “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” ²⁰ At once they left their nets and followed him.
  • Don’t wait, commit to follow Him today!
  • Jesus wants to teach us how to use what we do to introduce people to Him.

A Response to God’s Call is Based on Purpose

• Mark 16:15 (NLT) | And then [Jesus] told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.
• Use your skills, gifts, and abilities to help others know of God’s love.

Reflection Questions

1. Who is someone you trust to help you discern God’s call?
2. How has the Light of God in Jesus helped you speak for Him?
3. Have you ever tried delaying your answer to God’s call? Are you delaying your answer now?
4. How can you use your uniqueness to point people to Jesus?
5. Who do you know needs to hear of God’s love today?