PURPOSE FOR LIVING (3)

Understanding the unique functions of our lives

According to Bishop David Oyedepo 'Life without the right bearing is a burden.' In this teaching, we focus on the subject of purposeful living,

We considered Jesus and Samson in the earlier episodes. Today, we shall turn the beam on John the Baptist. (View previous two editions.)

“But the angel said unto him, ‘Fear not Zachariah, for thy prayer is heard, and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear a son, and thou shall call his name John.

"He shall be great in the sight of the Lord… and many of the children of Israel shall turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him (Jesus) in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children… to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke1:13–17)

Your Sincere Persistent Passion

Your sincere and persistent passions, desires and visions speaksof the purpose of God for your life. Dr. Mike Muducks explains thus, ‘Observe, there is something you are very sensitive about, the things you quickly identify and would give attention to… it is a pointer to your purpose’ [paraphrased].

In the case of John, a whole lot happened before his birth. His conception was in fact supernatural. Beyond that, the purpose of his birth, began to manifest.

He withdrew from his family into the wilderness, (away from social and domestic distractions) in order to connect (deeply) with God.

While in the wilderness, ‘the word of God came unto John… and he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the repentance of sin.' (Luke 3: 2 – 3)

Your Passion and Interest Are Not Accidental

Take a second look at the main text above, the purpose of John reports, ‘Many of the children of Israel shall he turned to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him (Jesus) in the spirit and power of Elijah… to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.’

Your (godly) passions and interest are not accidental, they are pre-determined and divine. Perhaps, John the Baptist, while growing up as a child liked a few numerous games, activities or trade.

He may have liked hunting, farming, fishing or the priesthood role, since his father was one. But towards the time of purpose, every other passions gave way for the strongest of them —listening for the voice of God and preaching repentance!

Look Out For Your Passions

As you read this article, observe, there is a strong passion you have for something. It may not be preaching. It could be justice, speaking, fashion designing, health care, architecture/ building and landscape, languages, logical reasoning (philosophy), acting (theatre), ICT, furniture and carpentry, cooking, electronics, general supplies and delivery, publishing, teaching, animals/ wild life, name it!

Whatever it is that you cannot let go, has a link to your purpose. Dr Myles Monroe puts it thus, ‘Whatever dream you cannot let go is a pointer to God’s purpose for your life.’

John the Baptist ushered in the new era of grace by the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ to the people. Before the Father introduced Jesus, John played his divine role of announcing Jesus' presence, abilities and purpose.

Thus, ‘I indeed baptize you with water but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose, He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire’. (Luke 3: 16).

Before John’s untimely death, he had played his major role.

Live your purpose!

God bless you.

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