A "Divine Encounter and Commission" refers to a significant event in which an individual experiences a direct and transformative interaction with God, often resulting in a specific mission or task being assigned. These encounters are pivotal moments in biblical narratives, marking the calling and empowerment of individuals for God's purposes.

Old Testament Examples

1. Moses at the Burning Bush: One of the most iconic divine encounters is Moses' experience at the burning bush. In Exodus 3:2-4, Moses encounters the angel of the LORD in a flame of fire from within a bush. God calls to him, saying, "Moses, Moses!" and Moses responds, "Here I am." This encounter leads to Moses' commission to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. God assures Moses of His presence, saying, "I will certainly be with you" (Exodus 3:12).

2. Isaiah's Vision: In Isaiah 6, the prophet Isaiah experiences a divine encounter in the temple. He sees the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth" (Isaiah 6:3). Isaiah's response to this vision is one of unworthiness, but after a seraph touches his lips with a coal, he is cleansed and commissioned. God asks, "Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?" Isaiah responds, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8).

3. Jeremiah's Call: Jeremiah's divine encounter is recorded in Jeremiah 1. God speaks to Jeremiah, saying, "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" (Jeremiah 1:5). Despite Jeremiah's initial hesitation, God reassures him, "Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you" (Jeremiah 1:8).

New Testament Examples

1. The Great Commission: After His resurrection, Jesus appears to His disciples and commissions them with what is known as the Great Commission. 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, 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's Conversion and Commission: Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul, experiences a dramatic divine encounter on the road to Damascus. In Acts 9:3-6, a light from heaven suddenly flashes around him, and he hears a voice saying, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?" Saul asks, "Who are You, Lord?" The voice replies, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting." This encounter leads to Saul's conversion and his commission as an apostle to the Gentiles, as further elaborated in Acts 26:16-18.

Theological Significance

Divine encounters and commissions are foundational to understanding God's interaction with humanity. They demonstrate God's initiative in calling individuals to participate in His redemptive plan. These encounters often involve a profound sense of God's holiness, the individual's unworthiness, and the assurance of God's presence and empowerment. The individuals chosen by God are often reluctant or feel inadequate, yet God's call is accompanied by His promise to equip and sustain them for the task ahead.

These narratives underscore the belief that God actively intervenes in human history, choosing and commissioning individuals to fulfill His purposes. They serve as reminders of God's sovereignty, grace, and the transformative power of His presence in the lives of those He calls.