Get Your Pretense On!

108 • Get Your Pretense On!

Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’” ~ Isaiah 28.16 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; [2] to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; [3] to grant to those who mourn in Zion – to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified. ~ Isaiah 61.1-3 These texts reveal that, in the economy of God, the Messiah was the chosen one, the agent of God empowered to complete God’s mission of winning the world back to him. We know this Messiah to be Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, the one through whom God has ushered in his victory and his kingdom life (John 3.16-18)! It is this principle of God’s election and empowerment, of representation, that helps us understand the ministry of the apostles as Christ’s messengers, given the mandate to make disciples among all people groups, assured that the Spirit would lead them until the job is done. And, it is this principle that helps every Christ follower comprehend their role in the world, serving as citizens and ambassadors of the Kingdom of God in the places where God has placed them.