Yesterday at church someone said to Isaiah, “As you go off to college, remember your due North.” This wise man of God was reminding Isaiah to remember Who called him and Who commissioned him as he steps foot on campus 👉🏽 His Savior and Lord, Jesus.
In Romans 1:1, Paul was writing as an unknown to the Romans. Apparently they didn’t know him from Adam so he begins his letter by stating His credentials, calling & commissioning.
🧭 CREDENTIALS
He identifies as a slave to Jesus Christ. In today’s culture, this word has such a negative connotation, (and rightfully so). But in the New Testament, this root word, “doulos” is used with the highest dignity of someone who WILLINGLY belongs to another; someone who, without hesitation or reservation, gives up ownership rights of their own. Right out the gate He says that he’s not his own, but one sent!
🧭 CALLING
He writes that He was chosen by God. (If you don’t know Paul’s story, you’re missing out! It’s like a movie! In fact, watch, “Luke” - a movie about Paul’s life seen through the eyes of Dr. Luke!)
🧭 COMMISSIONING
Paul was an apostle sent to preach the Good News. An apostle is a delegate, one sent (commissioned), focusing back on the authority (Commissioning) of the sender.
The bottom line is that he lived in a constant “liminal state”, (see yesterday’s post) walking forward on this earth while keeping his gaze on God. He traveled countless miles proclaiming the Good News that Jesus conquered death so that we can do the same THROUGH Him!
If you were to die today, do you know where you’d land? He secured a way for us to spend eternity with Him in heaven! Read the whole chapter of Romans 1 as it tells how God makes us right in His sight!
If you’re a believer like me, may you be reminded of your credentials, calling and commissioning. No matter what we “do” as Christians or where circumstances land us, we are called to do it as emissaries or ambassadors of the kingdom of heaven! When we keep our eyes fixed Due North, we will never lose The Way forward...
July 12th One Year Bible Readings
💡 1 Chronicles 12:19-14:17
💡 Romans 1:1-17
💡 Psalm 9:13-20
💡 Proverbs 19:4-5
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