Archive for month: October, 2024

Sunday Reflection upon Job 23

In dire straits, Job desires a confrontation with God, yet he has trouble finding God. We have all been in a situation where God seems distant and hidden. Although God seems hidden from Job, Job is not hidden from God. Thus, Job has confidence in God even when God seems hidden. No matter how he suffers, Job is intent on keeping the Lord’s commands, yet his suffering is so heavy that his confidence seemingly gives way to fate, fear, and despair.

Amid suffering and difficulties, we may wonder: God, do I deserve all this? Amid suffering and problems, look to God! Be upfront with God! And don’t give up on keeping the commands of the Lord! Be like Job, who maintained his integrity and faith in God despite suffering. Be like Jesus, who, while hanging on the cross, cried out these words from Psalm 22: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” May the commands of the Lord Jesus Christ always be in our minds, hearts, thoughts, and actions!

 Sunday Reflection upon Psalm 8

Psalm 8 tells us that we have been entrusted with the weighty responsibility of stewardship over creation. This concept vastly differs from ancient Near Eastern myths in which the gods created humans to be enslaved and feed the gods. This concept was not the case with the ancient Israelite understanding: Humans have a dignity granted to us by God, but lest we get to think more highly of ourselves, Psalm 8 reminds us that we are stewards, not owners, of God’s creation. This responsibility is not taken lightly but embraced with a deep sense of accountability and commitment.  May we be responsible and wise in managing God’s creation.