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/

Dear Readers,

Job, amidst his profound suffering, finds powerful words to describe his anguish: “Oh, that my grief were fully weighed, and my calamity laid with it on the scales! For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore, my words have been rash.” (Job 6:2–3)

This vivid depiction provides us with insight into the intensity of Job’s pain. Imagine having all the sand of the sea on one side of the scale and Job’s sorrow and suffering on the other—and yet, the latter weighs heavier than the countless grains of sand.

It is essential to recognize that Job’s pain is an individual experience. Often, we hear of widespread tragedies with many victims, whether caused by human actions or natural disasters. The numbers of the dead and injured can be overwhelming. However, just as Job bore his pain alone, each person experiences their suffering in a personal way. The concept of a “collective suffering of all humanity” does not align with reality. Each person undergoes their own pain, their own tragedy.

Even well-intentioned words like “I can empathize with your pain” have limitations. People can only feel their own pain, arising in response to the suffering of others. We cannot truly share or fully understand individual suffering.

As Christians, we are called, according to James 1:27 and Matthew 25:34–40, to alleviate the suffering of others. Yet, despite the immense suffering in the world, we can be thankful that no one suffers more than they can bear, with one exception.

Let us reflect on the limitations of individual suffering. How does this perspective change your view of the challenging topic of human suffering? In acknowledging the uniqueness of each pain, may empathy for the individual grow.

Merciful God,

In this shared reflection on Job’s deep pain, we come before you, who knows the individual suffering of every person. Job compared his sorrow to the weight of sand by the sea, and we recognize the uniqueness and intensity of his personal pain.

We ask for insight and understanding into the individuality of suffering. In a world often shaken by widespread tragedies, let us not overlook the personal stories and unique pain of each individual.

Help us approach the limited understanding of our own pains and the impossibility of fully sharing the pain of others with more mindfulness. May empathy for the individual grow as we become aware of the uniqueness of each suffering.

We thank you for providing us comfort and encouragement, even when we cannot fully grasp the depth of suffering. May our reflection on Job’s individual struggle in the sea of pain strengthen our compassion and lead us to be more attentive to the needs of our fellow humans.

In love and unity, we pray, in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/curse-the-day-the-individual-in-the-sea-of-pain-jobs-lonely-struggle-other-peoples-pain/

The encounter of Jesus with the rich young man in Matthew 19:16–22 offers significant insights into how wealth can pose a challenge to accepting salvation. In contrast to Nicodemus, the rich young man could not accept Jesus’ call, and this episode teaches us important lessons.

The rich young man approached Jesus with a question about eternal life. He had already kept the commandments, but Jesus recognized that his heart was still attached to his wealth. Jesus’s statement that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God underscores the dangers associated with the possession of wealth. It was not the fact of wealth itself but the attachment and prioritization of wealth over following Jesus that presented the obstacle.

The realization that both the rich and the poor face the same fate, death, emphasizes that all people, regardless of their material prosperity, need salvation. Money cannot buy salvation from death, and the need for salvation is just as urgent for the rich as it is for everyone else. This salvation is a gift that Jesus offers to anyone who accepts it in faith.

The comparison between the encounter with the rich young man and the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1–10 is particularly enlightening. Zacchaeus, also a rich man, reacted differently than the rich young man. Jesus did not instruct Zacchaeus to sell his wealth, but the encounter led to a radical change in Zacchaeus’s life. The key difference may be that Jesus recognized the individual needs and challenges of each person. While the rich young man could not let go of his wealth, Zacchaeus was willing to repent and change his life.

In both cases, Jesus emphasizes that salvation is more than external actions. It is about the heart and the willingness to acknowledge Jesus as the Lord of life and follow Him. The stories admonish us not to cling to wealth but to be willing to give up everything for the sake of following Jesus. It is about recognizing Jesus as the Lord over our lives and not allowing our wealth to prevent us from wholehearted devotion to Him.

Overall, this passage teaches us that wealth itself is not inherently negative, but the attitude we adopt toward it can be crucial. It reminds us that our true trust and security should lie in Jesus Christ and that the willingness to repent and dedicate ourselves is crucial for accepting salvation.

“ ‘For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?’ ” (Matt. 16:26, NKJV). What should these words say to us all?
The words of Jesus in Matthew 16:26 carry profound significance and convey a universal message for every individual, regardless of background, life circumstances, or faith. These words remind us of essential aspects of human life and call for reflection:

1. Limited nature of worldly achievements: Jesus’s words make it clear that earthly success and material wealth are limited and ultimately insignificant compared to eternity. Even if someone were to gain the whole world, it would be meaningless in the face of eternity and the state of one’s soul.

2. Inestimable value of the soul: The question of what it profits a person to gain the whole world if the soul is harmed emphasizes the immeasurable importance of the soul. The soul is the essential, eternal aspect of us, and its condition is infinitely more significant than worldly achievements. No material gain can replace the value and significance of the soul.

3. Impossibility of self-redemption: The rhetorical question “What can a man give in return for his soul?” underscores that the redemption of the soul cannot be achieved through worldly means or human efforts. No material exchange or earthly sacrifice can effect the redemption of the soul.

4. Importance of decisions for eternity: These words emphasize the critical importance of individual decisions for eternity. It is not just about temporal successes or short-term benefits but about aligning one’s life with the eternal.

What these words should tell us all:

• Valuable pursuit of the eternal: We should align our pursuits and priorities with what has eternal value. Material success and worldly goals should not come at the expense of eternity.

• Respect for one’s own soul: Respecting our own soul should be the top priority. This includes nurturing the spiritual, emotional, and moral aspects of our lives.

• Recognition of the inadequacy of human efforts: We should recognize that human efforts alone are insufficient to redeem the soul. Redemption comes through grace, faith, and a relationship with God.

• Decisions for eternity: Every decision we make should be viewed in the light of eternity. It is about how our actions and decisions influence the condition of our soul.

In conclusion, Jesus’s words remind us to recognize the value of the soul, consider eternity, and align our pursuits with what truly matters to avoid harm to the soul.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-9-mission-to-the-powerful-9-4-mission-to-the-rich/

Dear readers,

Imagine you are in Job’s position. Your life is falling apart, without any apparent reason or meaning. Everything you worked for, all the blessings bestowed upon you, are dissolving before your eyes. It seems as if the universe is in chaotic disarray, without a clear direction or purpose.

Years ago, a tragic school bus accident occurred, resulting in the loss of many innocent children’s lives. An atheist commented that such events could be expected in a senseless world because such a tragedy makes no sense in a world that supposedly has none.

But we know that this answer doesn’t fit for those who believe in God. Even Job, who faithfully followed God, couldn’t accept this explanation. In his deepest sorrow, he had no answers, only extreme grief and inevitable questions.

Let’s read Job 3:11-26: How did Job express his sorrow here, and how can we identify with his words? “Why did I not die at birth, come out from the womb and expire? Why did the knees receive me? Or why the breasts, that I should nurse? For then I would have lain down and been quiet; I would have slept; then I would have been at rest, with kings and counselors of the earth who rebuilt ruins for themselves, or with princes who had gold, who filled their houses with silver. Or why was I not as a hidden stillborn child, as infants who never see the light? There the wicked cease from troubling, and there the weary are at rest. There the prisoners are at ease together; they hear not the voice of the taskmaster. The small and the great are there, and the slave is free from his master. Why is light given to him who is in misery, and life to the bitter in soul, who long for death, but it comes not, and dig for it more than for hidden treasures, who rejoice exceedingly and are glad when they find the grave? Why is light given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in? For my sighing comes instead of my bread, and my groanings are poured out like water. For the thing that I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me. I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, but trouble comes.”

Life, a gift from God, is a wonder that baffles modern science. The definition of “life” is not uniform among scientists, and questions about its origin and purpose often remain unanswered.

In the darkest moments of life, we inevitably question the value of our existence. Not in terms of suicide, but in moments when we wish, like Job, we were never born.

An ancient Greek once said that the best thing for a person besides dying is never to have been born. Life can be so terrible that the idea of not existing appears as relief, especially in the face of the inevitable pains of this fallen world.

Have you ever felt like Job? Have you wished never to have been born? And what was the outcome? Memories of better times that give us hope. In our darkest moments, it’s important to remember that the prospect of it getting better exists.

Together, let’s search for hidden meanings in the shadow of despair and find the hope that can be our light even in the darkest hours.

Merciful God,

In this moment of pause and shared contemplation, we come before you like Job, whose life was shattered by painful losses. The world around us seems to be in chaotic disarray, without a clear reason or purpose, and we seek answers.

Lord, we bring our thoughts and feelings before you, inspired by Job’s words expressing the desire never to have been born. In these moments of darkness, remind us of the hope you bring into our lives, the prospect that it will get better.

The gift of life, given by you, is a wonder that baffles modern science. In times of despair, we question the value of our existence. Let us recognize that hope can be our light even in the darkest hours.

Together, we move through the shadows of despair, searching for hidden meanings and the hope that strengthens us. Help us find answers to life’s questions and recognize the truth that you are above all, even when we cannot fully grasp the reasons for our suffering.

With empathetic connection, we conclude this prayer, aware that you accompany us on this journey through the shadows of despair. With love and humility, we trust that you are our light in the darkness. Amen.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/curse-the-day-in-the-shadow-of-despair-the-hidden-meaning-of-life-rest-in-the-grave/

The story of Nicodemus in John 3 provides a fascinating insight into the spiritual needs of a highly educated man and how Jesus immediately addressed those needs. Nicodemus was not only a respected leader among the Jews but also a teacher of Israel. His outward appearance, knowledge of the Scriptures, and societal status might suggest that he was already closely connected to God.

However, the narrative reveals that beneath this external façade, there was a spiritual hunger for deeper understanding and a relationship with God. Nicodemus sought out Jesus at night not just out of curiosity but because he was convinced by Jesus’ teachings. His addressing Jesus as “Rabbi” demonstrates respect and acknowledgment of Jesus’ knowledge and wisdom. Yet, Jesus immediately delved into the core issue by discussing the necessity of spiritual rebirth.

Jesus discerned Nicodemus’ needs and spoke directly to his spiritual thirst. He emphasized that it’s not merely about keeping commandments or understanding the Scriptures but about having a profound personal relationship with God. The nighttime conversations between Jesus and Nicodemus reveal that Jesus looks beyond outward appearances to the heart and true spiritual needs.

John 7:43–52 and 19:39 shed further light on the development of Nicodemus’s faith. These texts show that, despite his praised knowledge and wisdom, Nicodemus was strongly influenced by Jesus. In John 7, Nicodemus tried to protect Jesus from condemnation, and in John 19:39, he brought valuable spices to anoint Jesus’ body after the crucifixion.

These actions illustrate that Nicodemus was no longer quietly grappling with his faith in Jesus. Although he may not have had the courage to publicly confess Jesus, his deeds after Jesus’ death indicate that he was deeply affected by Jesus’ message and influence. The story of Nicodemus reminds us that faith is a personal journey, and even the educated and powerful have deep spiritual needs that can only be fulfilled through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Why must we be careful of the trap of thinking that because “we have the truth” (which we do), then the knowledge of this truth alone is enough to save us? How many souls will be lost who had more than enough knowledge, even of the three angels’ messages, to be saved?
The idea that mere knowledge of the truth is sufficient for salvation carries the risk of self-righteousness and a misunderstanding of redemption. Here are some reasons why we should beware of thinking that pure knowledge is enough:

1. Genuine acceptance of the truth: Salvation requires not only knowledge of the truth but also a genuine acceptance and personal relationship with God. Even demons have knowledge of the truth, but their knowledge does not lead to salvation (James 2:19). It is about the condition of the heart and personal faith in Christ.

2. Transformation of character: Salvation involves not only knowledge but also a transformation of character according to the principles of faith. The fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, and patience, are essential elements of the Christian experience (Galatians 5:22-23). Pure knowledge alone does not necessarily lead to such transformation.

3. Danger of self-righteousness: Believing that pure knowledge alone is sufficient can lead to self-righteousness. There is a risk of relying on one’s own knowledge and condemning others instead of acting with humility and love. The Bible warns against pride and self-righteousness (1 Corinthians 8:1; Romans 12:3).

4. The importance of a relationship with God: The Bible emphasizes the importance of a living relationship with God. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Salvation is not just an intellectual matter but a profound relationship with Jesus Christ.

5. Responsibility for actions: Knowledge alone does not absolve individuals of responsibility for their actions. Those who have much knowledge bear a greater responsibility to act accordingly (Luke 12:48). Salvation is not just an individual matter but also involves our actions toward others.

Sadly, there are people who possess knowledge of the truth but may still be lost because they do not accept or live according to that truth. The Bible warns against those who confess with their lips but whose hearts are far from God (Matthew 15:8). Therefore, it is crucial not only to emphasize knowledge of the truth but also personal dedication, faith, and practical application of that truth in daily life.

In conclusion, the Bible teaches that salvation requires a profound change of heart, a personal faith in Christ, and a loving relationship with God. While knowledge is important, it is not the sole criterion for salvation.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-9-mission-to-the-powerful-9-3-witnessing-to-the-learned-nicodemus/