Mandate

You have a mandate, as I do.  We may forget about it, we may run, and we may even spend time denying its existence, but the mandate remains.  The challenge for each lies is recalling, remember, and reinterpreting our mandates in the context of each moment.  We hold a fresh window within our hands, heart, and mind on this day and in this moment – seize it with both hands, your complete heart, and with every fiber of your being!
 
Divinity gave each a primary mandate at birth.  Yet we must accept the blessing, endorsement, and empowerment.  If we reject it by our actions, then “on that Day I'll replace Shebna. I will call my servant Eliakim son of Hilkiah.  I'll dress him in your robe.  I'll put your belt on him.  I'll give him your authority.  He'll be a father-leader to Jerusalem and the government of Judah.  I'll give him the key of the Davidic heritage.  He'll have the run of the place—open any door and keep it open, lock any door and keep it locked.  I'll pound him like a nail into a solid wall.  He'll secure the Davidic tradition.  Everything will hang on him—not only the fate of Davidic descendants but also the detailed daily operations of the house, including cups and cutlery.”  (Isaiah 22.20-24) 
 
The mandate appears simple, yet it is an extraordinary challenge.  The mandate appears frivolous, yet there is nothing more important.  The mandate seems disconnected from life’s success, yet our mandates forms the heart of what it means to live. 
 
What are our mandates?  Our primary is greater than being fathers, mothers, sisters, and brothers – even though these mandates are critical.  Our primary is greater than being husbands, wives, children, and friends – even though every mandate mentioned so far could easily be consumed by our primary.  We live, find purpose in, and discover what it means to be fulfilled in being one with Divinity; to be with God (being), to act as and for God (realizing compassion, mercy, and hope), and to live in community (God like relationships).