To Those Who Have Ears To Hear:
In misapplication of scripture to interject Jesus's appointed hour of "He spoke not a word" as a blueprint for my assignment, many continue to demand my silence. They contend that since Jesus refrained from speaking, on his way to fulfill His purpose, I too should keep quiet. Howbeit, despite some parallels, Jesus's assignment was fundamentally different from mine. His purpose in the earth was to atone for humanity's sin. My assignment, according to my gift and calling, is to prophesy, which requires that I speak, even declare loudly—like a trumpet blast messages revealed in accordance with God's intentions, not man's desires.
In misapplication of scripture to interject Jesus's appointed hour of "He spoke not a word" as a blueprint for my assignment, many continue to demand my silence. They contend that since Jesus refrained from speaking, on his way to fulfill His purpose, I too should keep quiet. Howbeit, despite some parallels, Jesus's assignment was fundamentally different from mine. His purpose in the earth was to atone for humanity's sin. My assignment, according to my gift and calling, is to prophesy, which requires that I speak, even declare loudly—like a trumpet blast messages revealed in accordance with God's intentions, not man's desires.
Assignments
My Assignment: Deliver the message.The City's Assignment: Provide hospitality welcoming message and messenger.
Jesus's Assignment: Sacrifice himself for our transgressions.
The Devil's Assignment: Worship God
God's Assignment: Oversee all of creation (and whatever else He so chooses).
God tends to His assignment. Jesus fulfilled his assignment. I'm keeping to my assignment. But, it was the devil who first neglected his assignment, choosing instead to try to attempt to seize controll in an effort to steal God’s glory. Are you walking in your assignment as a servant or city, according to God's instructions, or are you compassing about trying to seize what does not belong to you? Because you choose which path to follow God will receive neither complaint nor petition from you when you choose that which He despises.
Isaiah 30 (NLT)
⁸Now go and write down these words. Write them in a book. They will stand until the end of time as a witness ⁹that these people are stubborn rebels who refuse to pay attention to the LORD’s instructions. ¹⁰They tell the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” They tell the prophets, “Don’t tell us what is right. Tell us nice things. Tell us lies. ¹¹Forget all this gloom. Get off your narrow path. Stop telling us about your ‘Holy One of Israel.’” ¹²This is the reply of the Holy One of Israel: “Because you despise what I tell you and trust instead in oppression and lies, ¹³calamity will come upon you suddenly— like a bulging wall that bursts and falls. In an instant it will collapse and come crashing down. ¹⁴You will be smashed like a piece of pottery— shattered so completely that there won’t be a piece big enough to carry coals from a fireplace or a little water from the well.”
When you examine the entirety of Isaiah Chapter 30, it becomes clear that God commanded quietness from the people (city, nation), rather than from the messenger. To require my silence is in effect, asking that I defy God's will. Thus, to conform to the expectations of my hometown would place me in opposition to God's plan for my calling. Consequently, because of my loyalty to Him, they have punished me and sought to exploit my gift. Nevertheless, I choose to adhere to His guidance. Obedience is far better than the sacrifice this city is about to encounter.
Some desire a championship because they want to be honored—God desires to be honored as well. But, this level of hatred over a trophy is nothing short of evil. Personally, I have no desire for a championship as I have no place to display a trophy. But, to those who know and understand, continue to delight yourselves in the LORD (keep sharing and honoring others according to God’s Instructions), and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Afterthought: I have a deep appreciation for the book of Isaiah. Not only do several of my favorite passages originate from Isaiah; it is also the book from which Jesus preached in his hometown.
The following is a snippet from my daily prayer...
Covenant God, O' Gracious Yahweh, as one day is to a thousand years, and a thousand years is to a day, please continue to let the multitude that roll against me be as impotent as one, but the few that ride with me be as victorious as Gideon's army. "Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who exalt themselves against me." But, I implore Thee, O' Jehovah El Gemuwal, even as my adversaries surround me to cast spiritual stones at me, please stoop to write the names of those who do not despise their calling with vain rituals. "For when I called, you did not answer. When I spoke, you did not listen. You deliberately sinned—before my very eyes— and chose to do what you know I despise.” But, "Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favor my righteous cause."
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD. Hosanna in the highest heaven! Come Lord Jesus.
As touching the election of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, by the power and authority of the Holy Ghost, I ask this O' LORD, in Jesus' name. Amen.
