A "Commissioning Event" in the biblical context refers to a significant moment when individuals are appointed, empowered, and sent forth to fulfill a specific mission or task as ordained by God. These events are pivotal in the narrative of Scripture, marking the transition from preparation to active service in God's redemptive plan.

Old Testament Examples

1. Moses at the Burning Bush: One of the earliest and most profound commissioning events is found in Exodus 3. God appears to Moses in a burning bush and commissions him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This event is marked by God's revelation of His name, "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14), and the promise of divine presence and power.

2. Joshua's Commissioning: After Moses' death, Joshua is commissioned to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. In Joshua 1:1-9, God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous, assuring him of His presence: "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Joshua 1:5).

3. Isaiah's Vision: In Isaiah 6, the prophet Isaiah experiences a vision of the Lord in the temple, leading to his commissioning. After his sin is atoned for, Isaiah responds to God's call with, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8), signifying his readiness to deliver God's message to Israel.

New Testament Examples

1. The Great Commission: Perhaps the most well-known commissioning event in the New Testament is the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to spread the Gospel. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:18-19). This event underscores the global scope of the mission and the promise of Christ's presence.

2. The Sending of the Seventy-Two: In Luke 10:1-24, Jesus appoints seventy-two others and sends them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place He was about to visit. This commissioning emphasizes the urgency and breadth of the mission, as well as the authority given to the disciples to heal and proclaim the Kingdom of God.

3. Paul's Commissioning: The Apostle Paul's commissioning is a transformative event recorded in Acts 9. After his encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, Paul is chosen as a "chosen instrument" to carry Christ's name before Gentiles, kings, and the people of Israel (Acts 9:15). This event highlights the radical change and divine purpose in Paul's life.

Theological Significance

Commissioning events in the Bible are characterized by divine initiative, clear instructions, and the promise of God's presence and power. They serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His active role in guiding and equipping His people for service. These events also emphasize the importance of obedience and faithfulness in carrying out God's mission, as well as the transformative impact of being called and sent by God.

In the broader narrative of Scripture, commissioning events illustrate the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through chosen individuals and communities, ultimately pointing to the fulfillment of His purposes in Christ and the ongoing mission of the Church.