Divine Appointment

Divine appointment refers to the belief that God, in His sovereignty, orchestrates events and positions individuals according to His divine will and purpose. This concept is deeply rooted in the understanding that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, guiding and directing the course of history to fulfill His ultimate plan.

Throughout the Bible, numerous examples illustrate divine appointments. One of the most prominent is the calling of Abraham. In Genesis 12:1-3 , God calls Abram to leave his country and promises to make him a great nation, blessing all the families of the earth through him. This appointment sets the stage for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the nation of Israel.

Another significant example is the anointing of David as king over Israel. In 1 Samuel 16:12-13 , God instructs Samuel to anoint David, a shepherd boy, as king, despite his humble beginnings and the presence of more seemingly qualified candidates. This divine appointment underscores God's ability to see beyond human appearances and choose according to His purposes.

The New Testament also highlights divine appointments, particularly in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. In Luke 4:18-19 , Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah, declaring that the Spirit of the Lord has anointed Him to preach good news to the poor, proclaim freedom for the captives, and recovery of sight for the blind. This passage emphasizes Jesus' divine appointment to fulfill the messianic prophecies and bring salvation to humanity.

Authority

Authority in the biblical context refers to the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. It is a central theme throughout Scripture, reflecting God's ultimate authority over creation and His delegation of authority to human institutions and individuals.

God's authority is evident from the very beginning of the Bible. In Genesis 1:1 , "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth," establishing His authority as the Creator. This foundational truth affirms that all authority originates from God and is subject to His sovereign will.

In the Old Testament, God delegates authority to leaders such as Moses, who is appointed to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. In Exodus 3:10 , God commands Moses, "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt." Moses' authority is derived from God's command and is validated by the signs and wonders performed through him.

The New Testament further elaborates on the concept of authority, particularly in the teachings of Jesus. In Matthew 28:18 , Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." This statement underscores the comprehensive nature of Christ's authority, encompassing both spiritual and earthly realms.

The apostle Paul also addresses the issue of authority in his epistles. In Romans 13:1 , he writes, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God." This passage highlights the divine origin of governmental authority and the believer's responsibility to submit to it, as long as it does not conflict with God's commands.

In the church, authority is exercised through spiritual leaders such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Ephesians 4:11-12 states, "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ." This structure of authority is intended to edify the church and promote spiritual growth among believers.

In summary, divine appointment and authority are intertwined themes that reveal God's active role in guiding history and establishing order within His creation. Through His sovereign will, God appoints individuals to fulfill specific purposes and delegates authority to maintain order and accomplish His divine plan.