Commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, because he will lead these people over and will enable them to inherit the land you will see.” Deuteronomy 3:28 (NET)
Being commissioned by God means being sent — chosen for a purpose that is bigger than yourself. It isn’t just about having a task; it’s about being entrusted with God’s heart and message for a particular moment or people. Each of God’s people is under a general commission (Matthew 28:16-18). There is also a special commission for those God sets aside for given tasks.
Receiving such a commission from God invites you into a journey marked by dependence on Him and a willingness to step into the unknown, trusting that His guidance and strength will accompany you. It’s less about your own qualifications and more about responding faithfully to the invitation, allowing God’s presence to shape your path and impact those you are called to serve. In moments of uncertainty or challenge, this commission becomes a source of courage, reminding you that you move forward not alone, but with divine purpose and support, just as countless others have before you.
When God commissions someone, it often comes with both calling and responsibility. There’s a sense that you’re not just acting on your own, but carrying God’s authority, love, and presence wherever you go. It might feel weighty or even overwhelming, but it’s also a deep affirmation that your life matters in God’s story. Think of people like Moses, Esther, or the disciples — each was sent with a unique assignment, but all were empowered by God’s presence and promise. Sometimes, the call feels clear. Other times, it’s simply the next faithful step. One moment from Jesus’ life captures this commissioning:
“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” — John 20:21
An Honor and a Responsibility
I became a servant of the church by God’s commission, which was given to me for you, in order to complete God’s word. Colossians 1:25 (CEB)
A commission from God is both an honor and a profound responsibility. Paul describes his commission as being located within God’s wider plan, understanding it as a specific call and responsibility given by God. Ministers are not self-called or commissioned by people, but called by God, with a responsibility accountable to Him – both personally and officially.
This commission carries significant weight and purpose. For instance, in the original commission to Adam and Eve, they were tasked with being rulers of the earth, administering it on God’s behalf. This was part of the crowning point of creation. Importantly, while we are commissioned as “kings” on earth, we remain weak without God’s help, and our ruling is meant to bring glory to God.
When someone is commissioned, it typically involves two key aspects: (1) a public recognition of their godly character and faithfulness, and (2) setting them apart and dedicating them to God’s work while confirming their willingness to accept their responsibilities. The ultimate goal is to be a servant totally committed to executing the commission, doing God’s work in a manner that brings glory to Him.
God does not force us to take his commission. However, when we answer the call, the weight and importance of what we have been set aside to accomplish will impact us mightily. Paul said, For if I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am compelled to preach—and woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 1 Corinthians 9:16 (CSB). For Jeremiah, God’s call was “fire in my bones.”
Prepared for Service
But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles. When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being. Galatians 1:15–16 (NLT)
Unlike many religious institutions today, God has many paths of preparation for those he calls and commissions into his service. God does not use a “cookie-cutter” approach when he calls us, and commissions us into his ministry. I explain it this way, “When God calls us into his service, he uniquely prepares us for our assignment.”
We do not always need an advanced degree to be used by God. Remember, the apostles were recognized as uneducated, but the religious authorities also noted that “they had been with Jesus.”
If we believe that God uniquely prepares us for the assignment that he has for us, we must avoid comparison with other people. When Amos was questioned about his credentials, he responded: “I was not a prophet or the son of a prophet; rather, I was a herdsman, and I took care of sycamore figs. But the Lord took me from following the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’” Amos 7:14–15 (CSB)
Preparation for the assignment that God gives us requires faithfulness and diligence. Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won’t be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple. 2 Timothy 2:15 (MSG)
Answer the Call
Then I heard the voice of the Lord asking: Who will I send? Who will go for us? I said: Here I am. Send me. Isaiah 6:8 (CSB)
God does not call everyone to a life of unique service, but if he calls you be ready to answer the call. Do not worry about being “special,” because God is looking for faithfulness not talent.
Remember: Brothers and sisters, consider your calling: Not many were wise from a human perspective, not many powerful, not many of noble birth. 1 Corinthians 1:26 (CSB). When Paul looked at the believers in Corinth, he did not see many impressive people according to the world’s standards. Instead, God chooses those that the world overlooks because all of the glory belongs to him.
“God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called”. Even though this has become a cliché, it still is powerful truth. When God calls, let us be prepared to say, “Here I am, send me.” There is nothing greater than to be commissioned by God.
Steve Ekeroth
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