The Event of Dismissal
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The Event of Dismissal is a term not explicitly found in the Bible but is often used to describe significant moments when individuals or groups are sent away or dismissed by divine or human authority. These events often carry profound theological and moral implications, reflecting themes of obedience, judgment, mercy, and divine sovereignty.

Old Testament Instances

1. Adam and Eve's Expulsion from Eden: One of the earliest and most significant dismissals in the Bible is the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. After disobeying God's command by eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, they are dismissed from paradise as a consequence of their sin. Genesis 3:23-24 states, "So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. And He drove out the man and stationed cherubim on the east side of the Garden of Eden, along with a whirling sword of flame to guard the way to the tree of life."

2. The Dismissal of Hagar and Ishmael: In Genesis 21, Sarah demands that Abraham send away Hagar and her son Ishmael. Despite Abraham's distress, God instructs him to heed Sarah's request, promising that Ishmael will also become a great nation. Genesis 21:14 records, "Early in the morning, Abraham got up, took bread and a skin of water, put them on Hagar’s shoulders, and sent her away with the boy. She left and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba."

3. The Israelites' Dismissal from Egypt: The Exodus narrative describes the dismissal of the Israelites from Egypt following the ten plagues. Pharaoh's eventual decision to let the Israelites go is a pivotal moment in biblical history, marking the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land. Exodus 12:31 states, "During the night, Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, 'Up, leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested.'"

New Testament Instances

1. The Sending of the Disciples: Jesus' commissioning of the disciples can be seen as a form of dismissal, where they are sent out to preach the Gospel and perform miracles. In Matthew 10:5-6 , it is written, "These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: 'Do not go onto the road of the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.'"

2. The Dismissal of Judas Iscariot: During the Last Supper, Jesus dismisses Judas Iscariot, who is about to betray Him. This event is laden with foreboding and highlights the fulfillment of prophecy. John 13:27 records, "As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. 'What you are about to do, do quickly,' Jesus told him."

3. The Great Commission: After His resurrection, Jesus dismisses His disciples with the Great Commission, instructing them to spread the Gospel to all nations. This dismissal is not one of rejection but of empowerment and mission. Matthew 28:19-20 states, "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."

Theological Implications

The Event of Dismissal in the biblical narrative often serves as a turning point, marking transitions in God's redemptive plan. These dismissals can be acts of judgment, as seen in the expulsion from Eden, or acts of commissioning, as in the sending of the disciples. They underscore the themes of divine authority, human responsibility, and the unfolding of God's purposes in history.
The Event of Destruction
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