The initial chapters of the book of Job provide us insight into two different realities that appear seemingly detached but are deeply interconnected: the earthly and the heavenly sphere. Initially, Job’s life on earth is portrayed as harmonious and full of blessings. However, the focus suddenly shifts to a scene beyond human sight, to the heavens, to an arena of cosmic confrontation.

In these verses, an incredibly profound cosmic conflict is revealed. It’s a confrontation between God and one of His created beings, Satan. A confrontation presented to us with an unusual openness and challenging tone. Satan, rebellious and scornful, questions Job’s faith. The heavenly scene becomes a place of conflict where questions of faith and loyalty are challenged.

It’s hard to imagine a creature daring such a challenge in the presence of God. Yet, a deeper truth is unveiled here, one that runs through the entire Bible—the great battle between good and evil, light and darkness.

This invisible battle directly affects earthly events. It not only explains the tragedies and suffering on earth but also God’s plan for redemption. This conflict is the key to understanding why Jesus died on the cross for us. It’s the answer to why evil exists in a world seemingly created by God.

In our daily reality, we may not be aware of this invisible confrontation. Yet, this book and other parts of the Bible bring this reality of the cosmic conflict to our attention. It reminds us that behind the visible events in our lives, there exists a larger context—a battle between good and evil that impacts us, even if we do not directly perceive it.

Amid this invisible battle, we can, however, look towards the light of faith. It is the belief in God’s goodness and mercy that gives us hope in the midst of this conflict. It reminds us that God is at work to defeat evil, offering us hope and redemption.

May this knowledge encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith, cling to God’s promises, and walk in the light of faith, even when the invisible battle becomes apparent to us.

May God’s grace and guidance assist us in this battle of faith.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-great-controversy-the-invisible-battle-and-the-light-of-faith-the-cosmic-conflict/

The passage in Luke 24:36-49 is indeed crucial in deepening the apostles’ understanding of what happened with Jesus and His message. Here, they not only gain certainty about the resurrection of Jesus but also understand the connection between the prophetic foundations and His work, which should strengthen their mission and proclamation.

Knowledge of the prophecies pointing to the first and second comings of Christ is of great importance to Christians. Firstly, they make it clear that Jesus did not appear in history by chance but that His coming had long been foreseen in God’s plan. This strengthens faith and reveals divine continuity and providence in history.

Especially in the end times, the prophecies are significant as they help us recognize the signs of the times and understand the significance of current events in light of biblical prophecies. This understanding is crucial for shaping the mission effectively as it establishes the faith and message of Christians on a solid foundation. It helps to recognize the urgency of proclaiming the gospel in a world working towards the fulfillment of these prophecies.

Furthermore, understanding the prophecies enables Christians to maintain hope in the second coming of Christ and prepare for eternity. It reminds us that ultimately, God’s plan for the redemption of the world will be fulfilled, and believers can be part of this redemptive plan.

Overall, the knowledge of the prophecies and their understanding is crucial for the mission as it strengthens faith, illustrates the urgency of the message, and prepares believers to proclaim the gospel in a world awaiting the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-6-motivation-and-preparation-for-mission-6-2-a-prophetic-foundation/

The life of Job is depicted at the beginning of the book in a scene of prosperity and blessings. It portrays a man who was blessed in many ways. Job enjoyed wealth, family, and prestige—a life that seemed almost paradisiacal from an external perspective. He was not only materially prosperous but also of upright character and integrity.

Yet, despite this abundance of blessings, Job was trapped in a world marked by sin and imperfection. The reality of this fallen world became evident as heavenly conversations and events behind the scenes led Job into a trial.

The concern Job had for his family reveals that even amid wealth and joy, sin posed a threat. His genuine concern for the spiritual well-being of his children reminds us that life, however beautiful, is not immune to the dangers of sin. The real threat lay not only in material loss but also in the loss of spiritual well-being.

Just as Job, amidst his abundant blessings, maintained a deep connection with God, this story encourages us to cultivate gratitude. Our lives might be flooded with external blessings, yet we are trapped in a world marked by imperfection and sin.

Let us maintain deep gratitude towards God in moments of abundance. Let us not take for granted the good things that happen to us but consider them as entrusted gifts. Simultaneously, let us be aware of the threats posed to our spiritual lives. May our sense of gratitude not blind us to the necessity of being vigilant and caring for our spiritual well-being and that of our loved ones.

In the art of gratitude lies the ability to find a small piece of heaven on earth even amid life’s stormiest times. Therefore, let us consciously practice gratitude, not neglecting the care for our spiritual connection with God and that of our loved ones.

May God’s blessings help us live abundantly in gratitude.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-great-controversy-the-art-of-gratitude-amid-lifes-storms-a-glimpse-of-heaven-on-earth/

The story of the women at the empty tomb is indeed an inspiring reminder of the power of the resurrection and the necessity of sharing the good news of Jesus. Their experience shows how unexpected and overwhelming encounters with the divine can change our lives. This commentary also underscores the significance of personal experiences with God before sharing the message with others.

Personally, I have experienced the goodness of God and His love in various ways. In moments of despair, I found solace in my faith, in prayers, and through the support of fellow beings. I have witnessed prayers being answered, and I have experienced tangible signs of His care in my life. These experiences are invaluable to me as they have strengthened my trust in God and provided me with the assurance that His love and mercy are real.

The motivation to proclaim the good news arises from the desire to share this love and mercy with others. It is the joy and gratitude for what God has accomplished in my life that drives me to pass on this message. Each of us has the ability to tell others about the blessings of faith and to spread hope, comfort, and redemption. By sharing our personal experiences, we can contribute to positively influencing the lives of others and offer them the opportunity to experience the love of God in their own way.

The story of the women at the empty tomb reminds us that the joy of the resurrection and the love of God are not meant for us alone but that we are called to pass them on. Our own experiences with God can be a vibrant and powerful source of inspiration to proclaim the good news to others and bring them hope and comfort.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-6-motivation-and-preparation-for-mission-6-1-to-share-the-good-news/