Anointed For Mission

HEART //

As today’s verse refers to Jesus, the Messiah, it also applies to us as sons and daughters of God. As a co-heir with Christ, he has anointed each of us individually for a specific mission. He has created us to bring his love and his hope to those who need it. Isaiah 61 says that his Spirit is on us. The Lord does not just give a mission and expect us to do it all on our own. He has given us his Spirit to empower us and gives us the strength and direction as we live out our mission. 

Pastor Charles Stanley once said, “Earthly wisdom is doing what comes naturally. Godly wisdom is doing what the Holy Spirit compels us to do.” Dr. Stanley is affirmed by Acts 1 which says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

He has given us his Spirit so that we can be his witness to those who do not know him. He has given us his Spirit so that we can be a part of freeing the oppressed. We are anointed by the Holy Spirit to live like Jesus did. He has commanded us to “go make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19) and he promises us that he “will be with us always.” We are not alone. We have the power of the Holy Spirit with us as we reach our hands out to the needy. We have the power of Christ as we spread his name to those who do not know him. 

WORK //

What are some of the ways you defer to your own “earthly wisdom”?

Today, make a plan to talk to a mature believer who you trust to ask them about how they live out this idea of depending on the Spirit for guidance. Ask a friend or mentor to pray with you that God would help you to depend on the power of the Holy Spirit every day. 

Jesus said it was good for him to leave so that the Holy Spirit would come to believers. Do you allow the Holy Spirit to lead you each day? Do you feel empowered by the Holy Spirit to live on mission?