TEXT: Isaiah 61:1-3
"The Spirit of the Sovereign lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.
He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the lord’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.
To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the lord has planted for his own glory."
CHRIST MANDATE
This message of hope that Isaiah delivered to the children of Israel while in captivity in Babylon was read by Jesus in the temple. He opened the book of the law, found the passage and read it out. He then told them: "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears" (Lk 4:21). He knew his purpose as the Messiah and he lived to fulfil it to the glory of God. What is your purpose? The Lord will enlighten your understanding to know your purpose and grant you grace to fulfil it in Jesus name.
BELIEVERS MANDATE
Believers today have the same mandate as announced in Isaiah 61:1-3. The resources at Jesus disposal has been given to you and I to achieve the same purpose. The mandate to 'go ye and preach the gospel' is as valid today and even more urgent than it was then. Alas! Where is the fire, the fervour, the zeal to preach the gospel to the poor, heal the sick, set captives free, deliver the oppressed, comfort the broken hearted and plant the kingdom of God in nations of the world and hearts of men. Jesus did it and expects his disciples to even do more (Matt 10:7-8). Are you fulfilling the mandate of the great commission?
GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Jesus was anointed with the Holy Ghost and power (Acts 10:38). The disciples were anointed with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4). You too have the privilege of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. He is the enabler to fulfilling the mandate of the great commission (Acts 1:8). Jesus demostrated the awesome power of God and mandated his disciples to do the same (Luke 9:1;10:19). You have the power of the Holy Ghost in you, exercise it. You have the name of Jesus, the name above all other names; call on him. You have the blood of Jesus, tihe overcomers weapon, apply it. God's grace is sufficient for you in Jesus name. As you preach, pray, decree and prophesy the Lord will hasten his word to perform it. He will make it happen in Jesus name.
PREACH THE GOSPEL MESSAGE
Captives of sin, prisoners of evil altars, the broken hearted, the oppressed and sick can experience the light of God's salvation through the power in the gospel message. You only need to preach to them. The time of God's favour is now: To "give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair." The Lord has planted you firmly on earth, in righteousness; to plant his Kingdom in the heart of men and nations. Be a doer of the word.
PRAYER:
Lord, have mercy on me. Help me by your mighty power to fulfil the mandate of the great commission in Jesus name.
DECREE:
I will go forth in God's power and righteousness and plant God's Kingdom in the heart of men and nations.
God bless you. Shalom.
