You have a kingdom purpose

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” —1 Peter 4:10–11

When the Lord filled you with his Holy Spirit, he called and equipped you for a kingdom purpose. There are things that you are gifted to accomplish in this lifetime that will have eternal significance. Do you know his kingdom purpose for your life?

Jesus said, “It is finished”

I was sitting in church when I heard my pastor say, “Jesus did not say, ‘I am finished.’ Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’” I dove for my phone so I could jot down that statement. I knew it would be my next article.

That one simple statement holds a great truth, especially during the Easter season. By earthly measures, Jesus did not live a life of great success.

  • He died at a young age, having never experienced the blessings of a long life.
  • He died with almost no earthly possessions.
  • He died with a small congregation, most of whom deserted him in the end.
  • He was laid in a borrowed tomb.
  • His death was mourned by some but celebrated by the influential leaders of his day.

Yet listen to his final words on this earth. Scripture tells us Jesus spoke in a loud voice, saying, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (John 19:30). History has revealed that the short, focused life of Jesus was the most important life ever lived on this earth. 

The kingdom purpose of Christ

Jesus said, “It” is finished. Jesus knew in that horrible, pain-filled moment on the cross that he had completed his earthly purpose. He had died a sinless man, on a shame-filled cross, in order to become the final sacrifice human beings would ever need for the forgiveness of their sins.

God so loved this world that he gave us his holy Son for this purpose: “that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). That’s why Jesus said, “it is finished” instead of “I am finished.” Jesus came to earth to become the sacrificial lamb, and that job was completed through his death. However, Jesus was resurrected and is still present in the world today, through his Holy Spirit. He won’t say “I” am finished until his final return.

Believers have been made holy for a holy purpose

The day you placed your faith in Jesus, his sacrifice on the cross covered your sins. You were made holy in God’s sight because, as the old hymn says, you were “washed in the blood.” I’ve often taught that we should work to see ourselves as God sees us today. We know we aren’t perfect; however, we still too often view ourselves as the sinners we are on earth, rather than the saints we will be in heaven. When God looks at us, he can see us as his holy and perfected children because he can view our lives through rose-colored glasses. He is able to see us as eternal souls and view us now through the blood of his Son.

When God filled you with his Holy Spirit, you gained a new name or a new character. All of us have the hope of heaven and the hope of holiness. Through the Holy Spirit, we have been made holy, and we have been given a holy purpose. Jesus hasn’t finished his work on earth. He has simply chosen to work through us, his followers, to accomplish his kingdom tasks.

Do you know your holy purpose?

Those who hear me teach know that I often stress the need to understand your spiritual giftedness. It is crucial to fulfill your holy purpose. If you have never tried to discern your gifting, this tool can help. Just remember that discernment is the work of God’s Holy Spirit, too. A spiritual gifts tool will likely be nothing more than an analysis of your ideas if you do not seek the voice and leadership of the Spirit as you complete the questions.

There is a difference between the gifting of the Spirit and the natural talents all of us were born with or developed. A spiritual gift is not what you are able to do on your own. Your spiritual gifting is what Jesus, by his Holy Spirit, is able to accomplish through your life. 

Your holy purpose is probably not what you naturally choose to do for Jesus. Your holy purpose is obedience to the work Jesus chooses for you. You will know it is a gift when you understand how much you need Jesus in order to accomplish the work. 

Serving your kingdom purpose requires the strength and guidance of Jesus. Jesus wants to be that in our lives. Among his greatest gifts are:

  • The peace that passes our understanding.
  • The power that only he can produce.
  • The presence that his Spirit provides.

God gave you the Holy Spirit to make you holy and to enable you to accomplish his kingdom purpose for your life. Your treasure in heaven, your eternal reward, is the result of your obedience to his calling. Your obedience to his direction is your kingdom purpose.

We need to echo the words of Christ someday

The last words of Christ were carefully recorded in Scripture because they contain a lesson that every generation of Christians needs to remember. All of us will come to our final moments on this earth someday unless Jesus returns to say, “We are finished here on earth.” Jesus taught us our kingdom purpose until that day when he said, “It is finished.” Jesus wants us to find that same peace, that same sense of earthly success during our lives.

When your life on earth is finished, will you be able to echo Christ’s words and say, “It is finished”? Keep praying, seeking, and obeying until you know your answer to that question is a confident “yes.”

Christians won’t ever have to say, “I am finished” because we have the promise of eternal life. Until then, we need to walk in obedience to his Holy Spirit until we, too, can say, “We are finished.” 

The verb “atenizo” can change your day

One of the most important lessons in Bible study is to pay close attention to the verbs in the original language. 

I’m blessed to have some great help with Hebrew and Greek. My husband has a PhD from seminary, but I have a PhT: “Put husband Through” seminary. 

My PhT allows me to ask Jim my questions and he is good to answer! He has a computer program with Greek and Hebrew, and I’m often amazed at the difference it makes to learn exactly what a word meant to those for whom the passage was originally written.

The Greek verb atenizo 

The Greek verb atenizo is used four times in our New Testament. When you see how it is used, it can change your personal walk with the Lord today and always. 

That verb means “to stare intently” or to “look with intent or purpose.” Why is that a powerful verb in the Bible? 

Consider this example. 

You are shopping for a particular shirt in a particular color. You scan the rack filled with shirts, but your eyes are drawn to those that are the color you want. So, you look at each of those shirts until you find . . . the PERFECT shirt, in the perfect color, made in your size. 

You pull that shirt off the rack, reach for the tag and atenizo at the price. You look at the tag with significant interest and focus.  

Now that you understand the meaning of the Greek verb, how was atenizo used in the Bible? 

The crowd atenizo-ed Jesus 

Jesus went to his hometown, Nazareth, on the Sabbath and entered the synagogue there. By this time people would have begun to hear and speculate about whether or not Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus took the scroll of Isaiah that day and read this passage to the people gathered in the synagogue:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
    because he has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
    and recovering of sight to the blind,
    to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18–19).

Everyone listening knew those words to be a Messianic prophecy from Isaiah. Luke 4:20–21 says, “And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, ’Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’” 

The phrase “the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him” is atenizo. 

Jesus had just told them Isaiah’s words were fulfilled now. If you remember the rest of the story, you will know that it ends with Jesus being taken to the side of the mountain to be thrown down and stoned by the crowd. After all, this was just “Joseph’s son.” But somehow Jesus passed “through their midst” and went away (v. 30), fulfilling the Scripture that “no prophet was acceptable in his hometown” (v. 24). 

Imagine the people in Nazareth staring at Jesus, whom they considered to be Joseph’s son, and wondering if he was their long-awaited Messiah. 

One day Jesus will return and everyone will atenizo Jesus. 

On that day, there will be no doubt. 

The Mount of Ascension 

Acts 1 tells of the crowd gathered on the Mount of Ascension. Jesus had just issued the Great Commission in Acts 1:8 and then he ascended to heaven. 

Acts 1:10–11 says, “And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’” 

What did it look like to see Jesus ascend into heaven? 

Those on that mountain were staring with great focus as they watched a miracle. But, they were told not to remain on the mountain. Their atenizo was to move from gazing into the heavens to focusing on those in the world who needed the gospel. 

The temple gate called Beautiful 

I learned the verb atenizo when I was scheduled to teach this powerful story from Acts 3. There are times in ministry when my eyes are drawn to someone in a crowd, a class, a restaurant, or any other place. I find myself looking at a person, but it goes beyond just noticing their presence. Sometimes a glance becomes atenizo because it is a calling, or, as I like to call it, “an appointment from God.” 

Shortly after Pentecost, Peter and John were walking to the temple for a regular time of prayer. The temple gate called Beautiful was the most common entrance to the synagogue because it was large, ornate, and located on the eastern side of the wall. 

Scripture tells us “a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate” (Acts 3:2). On this particular day, “Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, ‘Look at us’” (v. 4).  

Peter and John, and very likely Jesus, had seen this man every time they went to the synagogue. He was placed at this gate “daily.” Yet, on this day, when they saw the lame man, they did more than just “see” him. 

Peter and John’s “direct gaze” is atenizo. They looked at him with intention and purpose. They had received the Holy Spirit in their lives, and they saw this man with a sense of calling. Peter took the man’s arm and said, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” (v. 6). 

After the man was healed, he was “walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him” (vv. 8–10).  

Jesus had probably passed this man each time he entered the synagogue, just like Peter, John, and thousands of other Jewish men. But this day was different. Today, Peter and John would display the power of God through the gift of his Holy Spirit. The disciples atenizo-ed the man and his life was forever changed. 

The Christian movement was dramatically changed that day as well. Jesus had saved this man’s healing for his disciples. That day many people witnessed the fact that there was power in the name of Jesus and that power now dwelt in those who believed. 

Stephen saw Jesus too

The final time the verb atenizo is used is at the stoning of Stephen. Scripture says, “But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God’” (Acts 7:55–56).  

Stephen, filled with God’s Spirit, told the truth about gazing into heaven, atenizo, and seeing the glory of Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Stephen saw Jesus the way we should see Jesus today: glorified in heaven and standing to do his Father’s will. 

Who needs to see Jesus today? 

The words gazing into heaven are represented in the Greek word atenizo. It’s the same word for the way Peter looked at the lame man and the way the disciples watched the ascension. It is also the word that describes how the people of Jesus’ hometown watched him as he preached. 

It is likely the word that describes how the entire world will be transfixed when Jesus returns. That day some will atenizo with joy, awe, and gratitude; others will fix their eyes with fear and sorrow.  

Whose eternal atenizo can be changed and blessed today because of your personal witness? 

One day the Holy Spirit will cause you to atenizo a person. You will look at him or her and listen to them with a sense of calling. You will stare at them as you pray for God’s direction. God will cause you to look intently, to atenizo, at people for the rest of your days on earth, if you are Spirit-led and willing to serve. 

Will you offer your eyes to God for his holy purpose? 

That prayer will change your life, and, quite likely, many other lives as well.

2021: A parable of hope

Note from Janet

For those of you who have completed the first half of the Foundations of Faith Bible Study, I hope you will join us for the second half of the study. 

The first lecture (Abraham & Sarah – Lesson 12) is now available to view on the website. 

Each lesson will focus on a person/persons from the Bible who demonstrated faithful obedience to God and will offer insight on how we, too, can live in faithful obedience to Him. 

If you haven’t yet registered for the Bible study, now would be a perfect time to join us.

A man was sick and didn’t know if he would get well. He had lived a long life, a prosperous and influential life, but knew that his accomplishments couldn’t provide what he needed most. Healing couldn’t be purchased or acquired by hard work. Healing was a gift and a blessing. 

The man lay on his bed, appreciating the fact he could still breathe. He was grateful for those who came and went, trying to help him live. He spent his time thinking because thinking was all he was capable of. 

His thoughts naturally turned to the One who had given him life. The One who could give him more. He wanted more. He had lived his life always wanting more. 

He pondered all that he would do if he could only get well. He also pondered all he would fix, if he only could. He wished for second chances knowing there was really no such thing. All choices have consequences that live on in the people affected. 

“Why, Lord? Why do I always want more? Will I always want more? What is enough? I’ll try to do more for you, Lord, if you will just give me the chance. I know I can do better.” 

The man listened to the beeping sound that indicated he was still alive. Each beep was another moment he could have been doing something else. 

“Why, Lord? Why am I here? Why is this happening?” 

Beep. Beep. Beep. 

“Are you there, Lord? Is this my time? Are you coming for me now? Am I ready?” 

Beep. Beep. Beep. 

“Whatever you are going to do, Lord, will you just do it? I’m tired of waiting. I just want to know.” 

Beep. Beep. Beep. 

“Lord, I don’t care anymore. Whatever! I don’t even know what to think. I’m weary in well-doing.” 

Beep. Beep. “Don’t be.” 

“What? What do you mean ‘Don’t be?’” 

“When you get well . . . you can look it up.” 

“I will, Lord. Thank you so much.” 

The man did get better. As soon as he could, he found the verse, then the passage, then the wisdom he knew had been God’s gift to him during his long wait. 

Hope was the gift and blessing. Healing was simply an answered prayer. 

GALATIANS 6:9 WAS MY ANSWER 

Most of us get “thought-filled” at the beginning of a new year. That’s probably especially true this year. 2020 was a year that provided all of us extra time to think. The parable above isn’t anyone’s story. It’s everyone’s story. I don’t know how it is yours, but God would like the chance to tell you. 

Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” That part of the parable above is my personal story. 

Years ago, I was at a particularly low time in my own life when I prayed, “Whatever, Lord!” I was feeling like so much of what I had worked for was just a “vapor” that had blown away. It was comforting to remember that was how King Solomon felt too. 

I was praying to God one morning. Actually, I was whining to God. I poured out a bunch of thoughts, fears, concerns, and frustrations, and I finally told the Lord, “I’m just weary in well-doing!” 

Almost instantly, I heard my next thought: “Don’t be.” 

I remember laughing out loud! My answer from God was so like God: simple, complex, and always biblical truth. 

I heard him that day and knew it was time to move ahead. 

This blog post is one result of that prayer time. 

GALATIANS 6:1–10 IS OUR WISDOM 

Before you read the passage below, stop and pray. 

Ask God to speak to you as you read. 

There are words in the passage below that apply to your new year. God won’t tell me what he wants to say to you. I will provide his word; God will give you his direction from it. 

Pay attention to the verses you need to reread or that seem to be directed to your heart. We call Scripture “God’s word” because it is God’s voice. 

Paul closed his letter to the church in Galatia saying: 

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.  For each will have to bear his own load. 

Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.  And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:1–10) 

YOUR PARABLE OF HOPE FOR A NEW YEAR 

2020 authored a lot of thoughts in everyone. 

What did God tell you last year? 

What did God just tell you as you read his word? 

Hope is a powerful comfort while we wait for a chance to get well, get vaccinated, and get on with better days. 

I like to think about watching the news and not hearing about the “numbers” for the day. I like to think about going to a baseball game and joining the crowd who jumps to their feet, cheering loudly after a home run. I especially like to think about hugging my family and friends without a thought of reservation. 

We will do all of those things. If we stay well, we will be well. We have a lot to hope for in 2021. 

But, the real gift and blessing of 2021 will not be a vaccine. 

We should spend the rest of our lives knowing that hope is the blessing we have already received. 

“The one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good” (Galatians 6:8–9). 

The hope of a vaccine is real. The hope of eternal life has always been real for those who have asked for and received God’s salvation through Christ. Let’s not grow weary waiting for hope we already have. Live in, through, and because of God’s hope. 

We are already blessed! 

“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). 

May your 2021 be filled with God’s hope.