Today we continue our series entitled, “Grace and Truth” by continuing to look at The Law given under Moses vs. the Grace provided by Jesus. Our main scriptures are John 1:14 & 17. Let’s look at them again.
(John 1:14 New International Version)
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
(John 1:17 New International Version)
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
For the past two days, we looked at Jeremiah. Today we will look at Isaiah. The prophet Isaiah said, “Listen to me, all you in distant lands! Pay attention, you who are far away! The LORD called me before my birth; from within the womb He called me by name.” (Isaiah 49:1). Four verses later Isaiah said, “The Lord is the one who made me in my mother’s womb, so that I could be his servant. He wanted me to lead Jacob and Israel back to him.”
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. You have a definite and distinct divine purpose. Isaiah wanted people to pay attention to the fact that God called him before he was born. This was an important revelation back then and it still is today. When you know you were called before you were born, you know you entered this world for a specific purpose, and you also know that your purpose is divine.
2. God’s call is grace-based and not works-based. God called you before you were born. This means you were called before you did anything to deserve it. God knew all you would do and He called you; not based on your works, but based solely on His grace. This also means you cannot do anything to disqualify yourself from the call, because you never qualified in the first place. When you grasp this reality you learn to simply accept God’s grace, you enter into His rest, and you stop trying to perform for God. Your life is not an audition. You are not working for your assignment. Your call is not based on merit. So simply accept it and enter into God’s rest.
3. Isaiah knew that God knew him before he was born.
a) He knew God knew him by name before his parents gave him a name.
b) He knew God called him from his mother’s womb.
c) He knew he was not a mistake and that he was on this planet for a divine assignment.
d) When you know what Isaiah knew you live your life with purpose and vision. And you most importantly, you do so by the grace of God.
4. Isaiah knew he was on this planet to be God’s servant.
a) He knew his life was not his own.
b) He knew he was not on this planet to simply suck-in and blow-out air, have a little fun, and then die.
c) He knew he was on the earth to bring glory to the one who brought him here.
d) When you know what Isaiah knew you live every day focused on bringing glory to God. You work, but you don’t work like you are working for man. You know you are working God. You do everything with a spirit of excellence because you represent the God who sent you to the earth for His divine purpose.
5. Isaiah knew his assignment was to lead Israel back to God.
a) He knew what he was called to do, so he did not focus on anything else. This is key! Your life can’t be about 10 things. Your life has to be about ONE THING and that ONE THING is your purpose!
b) If you don’t know your purpose, you can wander around aimlessly through life, existing, but not truly living.
c) When you know your purpose your heart will be attuned to receive God’s vision and you will live your life with focus and clarity.
6. YOUR purpose informs YOUR grace.
a) When you know what God sent you to the planet to do, you also know what He placed inside of you.
b) If God called you to it, it is because He already graced you for it. You have to remind yourself of this, over and over again, because the enormity of the call may cause you to doubt or question God. But as long as you keep your heart open to the Holy Spirit, He will remind you that God only EXPECTS you to do what He already EQUIPPED you to do. And what He EQUIPPED you to do, He certainly EXPECTS you to do BEFORE YOU DIE!
c) My prayer for you is that the eyes of your understanding (where God’s purpose for your life is concerned) will be enlightened. May your heart be flooded with divine light, so you can know what God planned for you to do on this planet. And once you know, you will also know what God has already graced you to do. Once you get to this point, I pray that you would have the faith (confidence, boldness, courage), to walk In God’s grace. May you allow God to do, in You and with you, what He planned to do before the world began. May the grace of God overtake you, overwhelm you, and flow through you, so the world can encounter Jesus in you today and every day.
Declaration of Faith:
Father, I thank You for teaching me about Your amazing grace. I know that You knew me before the world began. I know I am not a mistake. I know I am on this planet for Your divine purpose. I know I am here to bring glory to Your name. My life is not about me or my selfish desires. My life is about You and Your divine purpose. So I enter this day and every day focused on bringing glory to Your name. I declare that I engage in every meeting, conversation, and activity today with a spirit of excellence because You are excellent and I represent You. I am here to do Your bidding, to represent Your Kingdom, and to fulfill Your purpose. I live my life to manifest Your finished work. I will do so by faith. I have the courage to believe the invisible and attempt the impossible because I have a revelation of Your grace! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!
