03/26/2026
The Biblical Understanding of Vocation
Pastor's Tapa March 2026
Martin Luther’s work had significant impact on both the Church and society. One of the most important impacts on society was his teaching about the biblical understanding of vocation.
Two errors had gradually emerged in the medieval Church’s understanding of vocation. First, vocation was limited to people in religious orders. Second, a religious vocation was thought to be far superior, more faithful and holier than all other occupations.
The English word, vocation, derives from the Latin word, vocacio, meaning “summons.” The Latin word comes from the verb, vocāre, meaning “to call.” The medieval Church was correct in asserting that priests, monks and nuns are called to serve in the Church. That was their vocation.
However, Luther insisted that all people have a vocation, and there is nothing inherently superior, holier or more faithful about a religious vocation. Bakers, plumbers, farmers, nurses and all others in non-religious vocations are just as needed in society as pastors and priests. Their calling is as much a faithful response to God’s call as a priest’s, monk’s or nun’s response.
The immediate impact of Luther’s teaching was that a lot of people left the monasteries and convents. The long-term impact has been far more pervasive and beneficial for society. We take if for granted that it is important to have vo-tech schools and community colleges, but their existence stems directly from Luther’s teaching.
Luther’s understanding of vocation was not a novel idea. He got it from Scripture. He recovered a proper biblical understanding of vocation. One clear example is in God’s instructions for constructing the Tabernacle after the Israelites were set free from bo***ge in Egypt. I confess that the detailed instructions about the Tabernacle are one of my least favorite sections of Scripture to read. All the precise measurements and all the various materials are a hard read. However, note what is embedded in these two passages with the instructions for building the Tabernacle:
The Lord said to Moses, “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you . . . (Exodus 31:1-6)
Then Moses said to the people of Israel, “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, for work in every skilled craft. And he has inspired him to teach, both him and Oholiab the son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan. He has filled them with skill to do every sort of work done by an engraver or by a designer or by an embroiderer in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, or by a weaver—by any sort of workman or skilled designer. (Exodus 35:30-35)
God called by name Bezalel, as well as Oholiab and Ahisamach, to do all the fine craftsmanship necessary for building the tabernacle. He gave them a clear vocation. He not only called them, he
equipped them with the knowledge and skill to do the craftsmanship. In fact, he inspired them. He filled Bezalel with “the Spirit of God.”
Many other biblical figures could be named as having been called and equipped for their vocations. King David was not just a soldier, but a musician and poet. Moses was called and equipped to be a leader. Lydia was gifted to be a merchant selling purple cloth. Paul was not just an apostle, but also a tentmaker.
God calls and equips all people to serve in their vocations, and all vocations are necessary for the well- being of people in their daily life. He calls and equips believers and nonbelievers. The difference is that nonbelievers are not aware of or do not acknowledge his work in their lives.
As believers we should give God all the glory for calling and equipping us to do our vocations well. Whatever gifts and skills we have are because God gave us those abilities. We should also thank God for equipping us. Mike MacDonald, the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, recently gave witness to this. Right after the trophy presentation when the Seahawks won the Super Bowl in February, he said in an interview, “I believe God called me to be a coach and I listened to Him, and I thank Him.”
