Archives for 2023

Dear Readers,

In our imagination, it may be challenging to conceive of living for several centuries. Methuselah, whose life is described in the book of Genesis, lived for 969 years – a timespan we can hardly fathom. Yet even he could not escape fate: death, the inevitable end of every life.

Let’s envision a conversation between Methuselah and a friend: “We live – for how long? 800, 900 years, and then we become history. What are 800 or 900 years compared to eternity?” (Genesis 5) This lament about the apparent brevity of life is timeless.

Job, a man confronted with immeasurable suffering, expressed his longing for rest in death in Job 7:1–11. He lamented the heaviness of life, full of sorrow and pain, and yet, he perceived it as short and fleeting. A paradox we often encounter – even in the midst of tragedies.

“The life of mortals is like forced labor, their days like those of a hired laborer. Like a slave longing for the evening shadows, or a hired laborer waiting to be paid, so I have been allotted months of futility, and nights of misery have been assigned to me. When I lie down I think, ‘How long before I get up?’ The night drags on, and I toss and turn until dawn. My body is clothed with worms and scabs, my skin is broken and festering. My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and they come to an end without hope. Remember, O God, that my life is but a breath; my eyes will never see happiness again. The eye that now sees me will see me no longer; you will look for me, but I will be no more. As a cloud vanishes and is gone, so one who goes down to the grave does not return. He will never come to his house again; his place will know him no more. Therefore, I will not keep silent; I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit, I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.” (Job 7:1-11)

In a poignant article, an Adventist shares her struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts. Ironically, she laments that the life-extending Adventist lifestyle makes little sense when life is marked by suffering. In such moments, reason often disappears, and we are left alone with our pain and fear of hopelessness.

Even Job, who knew the promise of resurrection (Job 19:25), couldn’t overlook the transience of life in the darkness of suffering: “Remember that my life is but a breath, and my eyes will never again see good.” (Job 7:7) The proximity of death intensified his lament about the brevity of life.

How can we find solace amid these laments about life’s transience? Our perspective on the fall, death, and the promise of resurrection can help us contextualize the limitations of this earthly existence. By holding onto the hope of eternal life in Christ, we gain comfort and meaning that extends beyond the apparent shortness of this life.

Merciful God,

In our collective reflection on the transience of life, we come before you, who holds times in your hands. We think of Job’s lament and the timeless question of the meaning and duration of our earthly existence.

In moments of sorrow and suffering, when life seems short and fleeting, we seek your comfort. Let us view the perspective of the fall, death, and the promise of resurrection in the light of your love.

Help us embrace the transience of life with hope and serenity. May the certainty of eternal life in Christ fill our hearts and reveal the meaning behind the limitations of this earthly existence.

In our search for comfort and meaning in the weaving of life, we cling to the hope of eternal life. In gratitude for your love and faithfulness, we pray. Amen.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/curse-the-day-the-weaving-of-life-a-glimpse-at-transience-the-weavers-shuttle/

Jesus’s relationship with the powerful was complex and instructive. The account of Joseph of Arimathea in Matthew 27:57–60 gives us insight into how the Lord used a rich man who was evidently influenced by Jesus.

Joseph of Arimathea appears unexpectedly in the narrative, almost out of nowhere, and plays a crucial role in fulfilling messianic prophecies. This illustrates that God can and will use the rich and powerful in His divine order. It is a call to continue the mission even among the powerful, as God has plans that go beyond social strata.

The account shows us that God employs the powerful for His purposes, and this is not limited to well-known personalities. Joseph of Arimathea, a rich and influential man, became a tool of God to bury the body of Jesus. This serves as a reminder that it’s not just about winning over the powerful; God can also use people from higher social strata to fulfill His plans.

Approaching powerful people in mission is an important consideration. Jesus himself showed that it is often more effective not to approach them directly but to let them come to Him. The powerful witnessed Jesus’s message, healings, and divine power. Their conviction happened behind the scenes as they observed His authentic mission.

Collaboration with the powerful can be achieved through genuine service. Powerful individuals often seek partnerships that have a positive impact on others’ lives. This provides an opportunity for them to become part of something good that changes lives. Service must be authentic and needs-oriented, addressing the needs of the powerful without violating their privacy.

The second phase, as implied in the text, involves starting genuine service that allows the rich and powerful to participate in God’s service. This requires investing in their lives to build trust and create a platform for service.

Overall, this story teaches us that mission to the powerful is a complex but important aspect. Building a relationship with them requires wisdom, authenticity, and, above all, recognizing that they also need God’s love and redemption.

Challenge: Add someone to your daily prayer list who is in a position of power, is not a believer, and is someone you could come in contact with from time to time.
The challenge of including someone in my daily prayer list who holds a position of power and is not a believer is a meaningful suggestion. In our busy world, we tend to pray for people close to us or those who share similar beliefs. However, praying for people in positions of power who may be distant from our own faith is an expression of love and a deep desire for positive influence.

Challenge Up: Address a letter or email to someone in a position of power—even if it is someone you may never have met—and tell that person that you are praying for him or her.
The plus of the challenge, writing a letter or email to a person in a position of power and informing them that I am praying for them, is a courageous action. It requires looking beyond potential barriers of differences in beliefs and positions and seeking a connection on a spiritual level. Here is a hypothetical example of such a letter:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Subject: Your Service and Our Common Well-being

Dear [Person’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am [Your Position or Background]. I am writing to you because, during my daily prayer time, I reflect on people in influential positions, and I want you to know that you are included in my prayers.

I am aware that our beliefs and positions may not fully align, but I firmly believe that prayer can be a powerful and positive force. Regardless of our differences, I am convinced that all of us working in responsible positions share the desire to do good and bring about positive change.

I pray for wisdom, guidance, and personal fulfillment for you in your position. May clarity be given to you in your decisions, and may your service have a positive impact on people and society. If there is ever an opportunity where I can be of service to you in any way, please let me know.

I appreciate your service and the responsibility you carry, and I sincerely hope that you find fulfillment in your work. May this message be an encouragement to you.

Best regards, [Your Name]

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This type of letter or email is a bridge of respect and positive intent. It opens the door for dialogue and shows that prayer is not just a private matter but can also be a connecting force that transcends differences.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-9-mission-to-the-powerful-9-5-mission-to-the-powerful/