MISSIONS: A HOLY PURPOSE

When a pastor or missionary is commissioned or ordained to go out into ministry and missions, the church leaders often lay their hands on the person’s shoulders and pray over them. They are being set apart for a holy purpose.

We see this first in the Old Testament in Exodus concerning the ordination of Aaron and his sons into the priesthood. In this Old Testament case, they laid hands on sacrificial animals identifying them on behalf of the nation before offering them to the Lord. These priests’ responsibilities included offering sacrifices, teaching the law, and exhorting the people to obey it.

This work was deemed so important by God that He gave special instructions in Exodus 28 as to the garments they would wear. They wore a kind of sleeveless vest and breast pieces carrying 12 mounted jewels each representing one of the 12 tribes of Israel. The priest wore robes with bells, tunic, sash, linen undergarments, and a turban bearing a metal plate with the inscription “Holy to the Lord.” Priests in the Old Testament went through a seven day consecration ceremony with the ultimate consecrating power being God’s glory. They were set apart for a holy purpose.

In Acts 13: 1-3 we see Paul and Barnabas set out on their first missionary journey. The church at Antioch commissioned them with prayer, fasting, and the laying on of hands. They were set apart for a holy purpose. Paul and Barnabas were the ones being sent, however their mission work represented the entire church.

Are we holy? Yes, as believers, we are all set apart for holy purposes or are consecrated. We all have a mission whether we are the one going or the one praying over the one going. This should affect and reflect our attitude toward EVERYTHING in our lives. 1 Timothy 4:4-5 "For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.”

Have you dedicated your home to the Lord?

Have you dedicated your work space to the Lord?

Have you dedicated, in total selling out fashion, your living testimony to the Lord?

TODAY, ASK GOD TO BE PRESENT AND REIGN IN ALL YOUR PLACES AND SPACES IN A SPECIAL WAY

“Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words”

Saint Francis of Assisi