The Bullet of Purpose: His Mission for Us All
The courage and determination of Seyi, the young Nigerian believer I recounted in my last post inspired me to think about all the kinds of purposes the Father has for His children. It makes no difference if you are a young Nigerian beaten and left for dead by persecutors of Christ or an American unseasoned by violence against Believers. The Lord has a special, unique purpose and task for each one of us. As we follow Him more exactly, we will live out that purpose more precisely and powerfully.
As a Pastor I must have heard at least a 1,000 people tell me that they knew God has a purpose for what happened to them … whether it was a blessing or a buffeting. The trouble with that response, however, is most of them did not know exactly what that purpose was! They knew in a vague way that it had to do with the future and that they were grateful. This kind of thinking is not wrong but it is only partial, fragmented and woefully immature! Of course God has a purpose for everything and we are called to find out what it is. We should think of not only long range purpose but also, and more importantly, of immediate, precise short range purpose. This latter purpose should be instantly pursued. There are three considerations for the short range will of God.
Let’s look more closely at these three great purposes:
Purpose 1: We are to learn the satisfaction and mystery of being alone with Christ, listening to His Word and focusing on the joy that produces praise! Praise is never independent of joy. It is not faith, or even love that authenticates one as a true follower of Jesus, but joy! “These things have I spoken unto you, that your joy may be full (not faith or love!)” (John 15:11). Joy in Jesus creates praise in the heart! Our first purpose is to be a person of unquenchable praise.
Purpose 2: We are to turn all of our experiences into light from Christ (revelation) and food from heaven (strength) so that our heart burns for more of Jesus (worship). This “obedience” “puts” us in the place of provision, perception and praise. “… All things work for good to those who keep on loving God …” (Rom. 8:28). Everything that happens is a window to more of Christ’s mind. Purpose two is to discern your next step to learn His path.
Purpose 3: We are to earn the authority by self-discipleship to communicate to others the message of truth and grace. As persons of Messiah Love, we are empowered to fulfill the great commission because we know and adore the Great Commissioner! Our third purpose is to demonstrate and testify to others what the Lord has done for us! “The Mighty One has done great things for me …” (Luke 1:49) … the Virgin Mary.
We should always move as quickly as possible from “some purpose” to “the immediate purpose!” Praise His worth! Do His will! Share His wonder! And do all three specifically … NOW!
“He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him.” Ephesians 1:9
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