Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. (1 Tim. 6:17-18)

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

The mission statement of the Prophet Isaiah

Isaiah's Lips Anointed with FireImage via Wikipedia

THE SPIRIT of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and qualified me to preach the Gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor, and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up and heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the prison and of the eyes to those who are bound, To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord [the year of His favor] and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion--to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit... (Isaiah 61:1-3a, AMP).

The prophet Isaiah had a clear vision of what God's mission was for his life. God had given him a difficult assignment, preaching and prophesying in the final remaining years of the Kingdom of Judah before God allowed Judah to be taken captive by the Babylonians.

Isaiah had clarity in his mission for 2 reasons:
  1. He knew that God's Spirit was on his life (v. 1).
  2. He had been anointed and qualified by the Lord for his special mission (v. 1).
Isaiah knew the specific details of his mission:
  1. Preaching. He was to preach the good news to a target audience - the meek, poor, and afflicted (v. 1).
  2. Healing. He was to bind up and heal the brokenhearted (v. 1).
  3. Proclaiming freedom. He was to proclaim liberty to physical and spiritual captives as well as open up the prison and eyes of those who are bound (v. 1).
  4. Prophesying. He was to proclaim the year of the Lord and the day of vengeance (v. 2).
  5. Comforting. He was to bring comfort to all who mourn (v. 2).
  6. Providing beauty, gladness, and praise. He was to provide for those in grief (v. 3).
Isaiah's mission was very similar to Christ's own mission - helping people.

If you truly desire to be successful in life, contemplate how you can use the gifts, talents, abilities, money, and resources God has blessed you with in order to help more people. Ask the Father for the Holy Spirit to have full control of your life so that you can discern your own unique mission.

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