Divine Appointment

Divine appointment refers to the belief that God, in His sovereignty, ordains certain individuals for specific roles, tasks, or missions according to His divine will and purpose. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where God is seen as actively involved in the affairs of humanity, guiding and directing the course of history through chosen individuals.

Throughout the Scriptures, numerous examples illustrate divine appointment. One of the most prominent is the calling of Abraham, whom God appointed to be the father of many nations. In Genesis 12:1-3 , God commands Abraham to leave his country and promises to make him a great nation, blessing him and making his name great. This appointment sets the stage for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Abraham's descendants.

Another significant example is the appointment of Moses as the leader of the Israelites. In Exodus 3:10 , God speaks to Moses from the burning bush, saying, "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt." Moses' divine appointment is marked by God's direct intervention and guidance, equipping him to lead the Israelites out of bondage and toward the Promised Land.

The concept of divine appointment extends to the New Testament, where Jesus appoints the twelve apostles. In Mark 3:14 , it is written, "He appointed twelve, whom He designated as apostles, to accompany Him, to be sent out to preach." This appointment signifies the establishment of a foundational leadership for the early Church, tasked with spreading the Gospel and establishing Christian communities.

Succession

Succession in the biblical context refers to the orderly and divinely guided transition of leadership or authority from one individual to another. This concept ensures the continuity of God's purposes and the stability of His people. Succession is often marked by prophetic endorsement, divine instruction, or the laying on of hands, signifying the transfer of authority and blessing.

One of the earliest examples of succession is found in the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua. In Numbers 27:18-20 , the LORD instructs Moses, "Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hands on him. Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and commission him in their sight." This act of laying hands on Joshua signifies the transfer of leadership and the continuation of God's guidance for Israel.

The succession of kings in Israel also highlights the importance of divine appointment and succession. David's anointing by the prophet Samuel, as recorded in 1 Samuel 16:12-13 , marks the beginning of a divinely ordained dynasty. Later, Solomon's succession to the throne, as instructed by David and confirmed by the prophet Nathan, underscores the role of divine will in the establishment of leadership (1 Kings 1:32-35).

In the New Testament, the concept of succession is evident in the appointment of church leaders. The apostle Paul, in his pastoral epistles, emphasizes the importance of appointing elders and deacons to ensure the proper governance of the Church. In Titus 1:5 , Paul instructs Titus, "The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you."

The principle of divine appointment and succession underscores the belief that God is actively involved in the leadership and direction of His people, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled through chosen individuals across generations.