Dear Readers and Listeners, Friends in Jesus Christ,
Our watchword for today is taken from the Book of Job, Chapter 42 verses 5 to 6, “Job said to God: I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes,” (NRSVB). The most pertinent question of all times is repeatedly asked in the book of Job: Why does a loving God allow suffering? Job, despite having lost first his riches, then his loved-ones, followed by his health, resolutely kept his whole-hearted devotion to God. His friends argued and stated that he suffered due to his own personal wrong-doings. After much debate Job’s friends grew impatient and heartless towards him in his suffering. God intervened and opened up a window into heaven and earth for Job. God revealed to Job God’s magnificence. Job understood that there are mysteries in heaven and on earth too great for humans to comprehend. God re-instated Job in the presence of his friends and affirmed that Job was not suffering due to any personal sin, even, despite his great suffering he still held onto his trust in God. This trust was rewarded after he offered prayers and sacrifices for his friends. God gave back more than was taken. He enlarged Job’s stature and standing and gave him a new family. Like Job’s friends, many people believe that suffering happens because of God’s punishment. If God had to punish people, no-one would be able to stand before Him. Being part of humanity brings all humans in situations of being partakers of the plights of the world. Each generation has their own suffering. God comes to all in their suffering and alleviates the pain and sorrow in His time. God restored Job and did not rebuke him for asking “Why?” God came to answer Job out of the whirlwind. Job saw in awe the God he only heard about. Job came to the realization that God will shine His light. These rays from heaven will illumine human understanding and bring insight as the reward for continued faith in God’s ultimate goodness.
Saul was a learned rabbi and scholar. He zealously wanted to protect the Law of God and the structures of the temple community in Jerusalem. He was employed by the authorities to persecute the believers who worshipped and declared Jesus Christ as the resurrected Messiah. On Saul’s way, with letters to find worshippers in Damascus and bring them bound to Jerusalem, he had an encounter with the Lord. “Suddenly a light from heaven flashed around Saul. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” Acts 9 verse 3 to 5. Saul, who had only heard about God through his rigorous studies of the Law, Prophets and Writings, heard the Lord’s voice speaking to him. He saw the flashing light, concealing the presence of Christ. Saul was struck with awe. Jesus told him to stop persecuting the Kingdom of God on earth. Immediate Saul asked Jesus what it was that Jesus wanted him to do. He was instructed to go to the city and wait. Saul, blinded by the light, was led to the city. A disciple in Damascus, Ananias, was told in a vision to go and pray for Saul, for he was changed and was chosen as an instrument by God. After the prayer Saul received his sight and went into the synagogues of Damascus proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God! Saul, Persecutor of Christians, became Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles. When God shines His light, people are changed. God reveals new understanding of His will. He comes to us in our confusion and immediately brings us into His light, not because of our deeds and despite or wrongs. God’s mysteries and purposes are revealed on earth every time someone is turned from darkness to Light, through His grace!
Father, we thank you for shining your light on us and illumine our understanding. Amen.