A Divine Commission refers to the authoritative mandate given by God to individuals or groups to carry out specific tasks or missions according to His divine will and purpose. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where God calls and empowers His servants to fulfill His plans on earth. The notion of a Divine Commission underscores the sovereignty of God in directing human affairs and the responsibility of the commissioned to act in obedience and faith.

Old Testament Examples

1. Moses: One of the most prominent examples of a Divine Commission is the calling of Moses. In Exodus 3:10, God commissions Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt: "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt." This commission is marked by God's assurance of His presence and power, as seen in Exodus 3:12: "I will surely be with you."

2. Prophets: The prophets of Israel were often commissioned by God to deliver His messages to the people. Isaiah's commission is vividly described in Isaiah 6:8, where he responds to God's call: "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" Similarly, Jeremiah is commissioned in Jeremiah 1:5: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

New Testament Examples

1. The Great Commission: The most significant Divine Commission in the New Testament is the Great Commission given by Jesus to His disciples. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commands: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This commission emphasizes the global scope of the mission and the promise of Christ's continual presence.

2. Paul the Apostle: Paul's conversion and commission are pivotal in the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles. In Acts 9:15, the Lord speaks to Ananias about Paul: "Go! This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel." Paul's commission is further affirmed in Acts 26:16-18, where Jesus tells him, "I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of Me."

Characteristics of a Divine Commission

· Divine Authority: A Divine Commission is initiated by God, who possesses ultimate authority. Those who are commissioned act as representatives of God's will.

· Empowerment: God often provides the necessary empowerment, guidance, and resources to fulfill the commission. This is evident in the promise of the Holy Spirit to the disciples in Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

· Obedience and Faith: The response to a Divine Commission requires obedience and faith. The commissioned must trust in God's plan and timing, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like Abraham, who "obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going" (Hebrews 11:8).

· Purpose and Mission: A Divine Commission is purposeful, often aimed at advancing God's kingdom, proclaiming His word, or delivering His people. It aligns with God's redemptive plan for humanity.

In summary, a Divine Commission is a profound and sacred calling that reflects God's active involvement in the world and His desire to work through His chosen servants to accomplish His divine purposes.