Dear Readers,

In the face of Job’s immeasurable suffering, described in the Bible as “Curse the Day,” we delve deep into humanity’s questions about pain, meaning, and hope. Job, a man of wealth and virtue, is beset by tragedies that seem to defy any explanation.

The blog reflects on how, despite Job’s ignorance and confusion, he holds an important lesson for us. As we illuminate Job’s story, we recognize that our own times of despair and suffering are not so far removed from Job’s.

The central message of the blog is to empathize with Job’s situation to better understand his confusion, anger, and grief. It emphasizes that while we may not share Job’s fate, we still experience moments of perplexity and suffering in a fallen world, especially as we strive to serve God and do what is right in His eyes.

The considerations span across several blog posts, from “Curse the Day” to “The Pains of Others,” exploring themes such as the transience of life, individual pain, and the limitations of human suffering.

The blog concludes with a profound reflection on “What is Man?” addressing the fundamental questions of our existence. It underscores the significant realization that God’s love constitutes the essence of being human, imparting unparalleled value and deep meaning to our lives.

In the hope that these reflections serve to bring light into dark hours and provide comfort in times of trial.

Merciful God,

We come before you with our thoughts on Job’s pain and the profound questions of human life. In the reflections from “Curse the Day” to “What is Man?” we have sought meaning, comfort, and hope.

We thank you for accompanying us in these reflections. In moments of perplexity and suffering, remind us of your love that constitutes the essence of our humanity. May this understanding illuminate our darkest hours and give us strength as we seek answers.

We bring the readers of this blog before you, especially those navigating their own times of despair and pain. May they find solace through these reflections and recognize the meaningful truth about your love and the worth of their lives.

In gratitude for your guiding hand and in the hope that these considerations bring light into dark hours, we pray. Amen.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/curse-the-day-a-reflection-on-jobs-pain/

Dear Readers,

In the deepest depths of his suffering, Job posed existential questions that concern us all: “What is man, that you make so much of him, and that you set your heart on him, visit him every morning and test him every moment? How long will you not look away from me, nor leave me alone till I swallow my spit?” (Job 7:17–21) This question about human existence is of timeless significance, touching the roots of our identity.

“God, why do you take us so seriously? Why even bother with us? All we are is a puff of air; we’re like shadows in a campfire. Step down, inspect us from head to toe, oh yes, because of how much you care for us. So, why not look the other way? Why not forgive?” Job 7:17-21

Job, plagued by inexplicable suffering, doubted God’s interest in an individual. Faced with the immense greatness of God and the vastness of His creation, Job wondered why God would bother with an individual at all. This question, “Mah enosh?” (What is man?), expresses the fundamental need to understand our place in the universe.

Although some interpreters argue that Job might have been mocking later Psalms, the question of the essence of being human remains central. Regardless of Job’s specific situation, we are all called to ask these questions: Who are we? Why are we here? What is the meaning and purpose of our lives?

The answer to these questions may lie in God’s love for us humans. The Bible reveals in John 3:16 and 1 John 3:1 that God’s love is so profound that He sent His own Son so that we may be called His children. This love gives value and meaning to our lives. Ellen G. White aptly emphasizes this: “Through the infinite sacrifice of Christ and faith in His name, the sons of Adam become the sons of God.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 563)

Therefore, the essence of being human lies in the love of God, who accepts us as His beloved children. This truth not only gives meaning to our lives but also provides hope and comfort, even in the darkest hours.

Merciful God,

In our contemplations on the essence of being human, we come before you, the Creator and Sustainer of our lives. Job’s existential question about the significance of humanity resonates in our hearts, and we seek answers that are profound and meaningful.

In our search for identity and purpose, we recognize the love you bestow upon us. Your love, manifested in the sacrifice of your Son, gives value and meaning to our existence. May this realization bring us comfort and grant us hope in the challenges of life.

In accepting that as your beloved children, we have a unique place in the universe, we want to express our gratitude before you. Let us find the essence of our humanity in this truth and be guided by your love as we solidify our identity in you.

In humility and gratitude, we pray. Amen.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/curse-the-day-the-essence-of-being-human-a-reflection-on-jobs-questions-what-is-man/

The preceding texts illuminate various facets of dealing with people in positions of power, be it in religious, political, or social contexts. The central message lies in the recognition that God is capable of using people in influential positions and that it is our duty to approach them with love, prayer, and service.

The engagement with rich and powerful individuals, whether in the Bible or in today’s context, demonstrates that these people are not just subjects of criticism but also recipients of God’s work. Jesus himself sought not only the proximity of the weak but also the powerful. Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, and other rich men are presented in the Bible as individuals who made a difference in their positions, whether through their faith, generosity, or willingness to serve.

The challenge of including people in positions of power in our prayer lists and even informing them that we are praying for them is an act of love and recognition of their human needs. Regardless of religious beliefs or worldly positions, all people share the same finitude and basic needs for love, acceptance, and redemption.

The story of Joseph of Arimathea underscores that God often uses people “out of nowhere” to fulfill His plans. Our mission is not only to recognize the needs of the powerful but also to find ways to serve them, whether through prayer, authentic service, or positive connections.

The texts teach us that the mission to the powerful is not just an opportunity to serve them but also a chance to leverage their power and influence to advance God’s kingdom. It is an invitation to see the powerful not as obstacles but as potential partners in God’s mission.

Overall, the texts emphasize the need for love, humility, and prayer in dealing with people in positions of power. It is a reminder that God’s work in the world is not based on social or political categories but on love for each individual, regardless of their position or status.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-9-mission-to-the-powerful-9-6-summary/

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/