Dear Ones:
In our days of democracy and freedom, we are apt almost never to use the term “charge” in our conversation, except as it might apply to a purchase or a sentencing for a crime. This does not negate the fact that a “charge” from a Biblical standpoint is a most important consideration, for it carries with it not only the meaning of a challenge, but of a grasping of the responsibility before God, and men.
One of the great themes of the Bible, since the fall of man, has been that of “all flesh is as grass…but the Word of God abides forever.” In the context of this reality, the Apostle Paul writes to Timothy, his son in the faith, and in essence prepares him for the passing of the torch, and the responsibility which that entails. It is quite a study in his letters to Timothy, to discover the specific issues that he addresses, to enable Timothy to carry on in the work of the Gospel and Kingdom, after he has gone to be with the Lord. Simply put, he “charges” Timothy, both with a vision of what he must be, and the basis upon which he is to be it, but also, with regard to what he specifically must do. For example, he writes Timothy: “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; holding faith and a good conscience…” (1 Tim. 1:18-19) Paul brings to bear upon the heart and mind of Timothy not only a vision of what he must be, and what God will be to him, but what he must do, accept, embrace. The vision, the promises, carry with them that same responsibility that Elisha knew when he reached down to pick up the mantle of Elijah, who had just been taken into heaven. That mantle was the acceptance of the charge, all that it meant, and all that he would have to be according to the promises of God.
In 1 Timothy 5:21, Paul writes to Timothy: “I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.” Again, Timothy is faced with a Divine commitment of responsibility, which will require the reaching down and picking up of the mantle. It is a singular and definite, quiet commitment of oneself wholly to God for the realization of his calling. But with it comes the promise of God, that “faithful is He who calls you who also will do it.” (1 Thess. 5:24)
When Joshua the high priest was restored to his fellowship with God by the cleansing of his sin, the Lord gave him a “charge.” “If thou will walk in My ways, and if thou wilt keep my CHARGE, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts.” (Zech. 3:7) Do we realize that we all have a charge, a commission, and that God’s gifts and calling by the Holy Spirit are sufficient for the answering that challenge. The “charge” of God to the heart of the individual is the magnificent call to profound fellowship with Him. He is our great reward. And He reveals Himself to the heart and mind of those who will respond to His call and charge. There is no higher experience in life, than to know Christ, and this, by responding to His charge.
Love, Dad