Divine commissioning refers to the act of God appointing and empowering individuals for specific tasks or missions within His divine plan. This concept is prevalent throughout the Bible, where God calls and equips His servants to fulfill His purposes on earth. Divine commissioning is characterized by a clear call from God, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and the alignment with God's will and purposes.

Old Testament Examples

1. Moses: One of the most prominent examples of divine commissioning is the call of Moses. 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." This commissioning is marked by God's assurance of His presence and power, as seen in Exodus 3:12, "I will surely be with you."

2. Joshua: Following Moses, Joshua is commissioned to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. In Joshua 1:2-3, God commands Joshua, "Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, you and all these people, and cross over the Jordan into the land that I am giving to the children of Israel. I have given you every place where the sole of your foot will tread, just as I promised to Moses."

3. Prophets: Many prophets in the Old Testament received divine commissions. For instance, Isaiah's commissioning is vividly described in Isaiah 6:8, "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!'"

New Testament Examples

1. The Apostles: Jesus Christ's commissioning of the apostles is a central theme in the New Testament. In Matthew 28:19-20, known as the Great Commission, Jesus instructs His disciples, "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."

2. Paul: The Apostle Paul’s commissioning is another significant example. In Acts 9:15, the Lord speaks to Ananias about Paul, saying, "Go! This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel."

3. The Seventy-Two: In Luke 10:1-2, Jesus appoints seventy-two others and sends them out two by two ahead of Him to every town and place He was about to visit. He tells them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest."

Characteristics of Divine Commissioning

· Divine Initiative: The call originates from God, who chooses individuals according to His sovereign will.
· Empowerment: Those commissioned are often empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish their tasks. For example, in Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His disciples, "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."
· Purpose and Mission: The commissioning is always aligned with God's redemptive plan and purposes. It involves a clear mission, whether it is leading a nation, proclaiming God's word, or spreading the Gospel.
· Assurance of God's Presence: Those commissioned are assured of God's presence and support. This assurance is a recurring theme, as seen in God's words to Joshua, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).

Divine commissioning is a profound biblical theme that underscores God's active involvement in human history, calling and equipping individuals to participate in His divine purposes.