Encouragement for Humanity
We are all traversing this thing called life. Regardless of the length of time we are granted on earth, it is but a short time. We are reminded of this in Psa. 90:10. When I was young, I viewed seventy years as a long time. But in looking back nearly that long, I realize it is quite brief. The Spirit had the psalmist record the substance of our time on earth as well as the brevity of it. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
The suffering servant, in Job 14:1, was also guided to pen Words to warn us of the many calamities of life. Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. This was an observation born of adversity. One needs only examine the account of Job’s life up to that point to know he had more than his share of hardships and tribulation. He had suffered the loss of his property, his children, and his health. It appeared that all that was left to him was his wife and so-called friends. His wife, having lost her children as well, and realizing the misery that Job suffered, in her bitterness, advised him in Job 2:9 to: “curse God, and die.” Could these be considered words of encouragement?
Enter the so-called friends of Job, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. Upon hearing of Job’s great misfortune, gathered, and traveled to his location. Upon seeing him afar off, they “lift up their eyes and wept; rent everyone his mantle and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven”. On top of all this, when they arrived where Job was, Job 2:13a informs; “So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him:”. The reason for so doing is stated in the end of the verse - “for they saw that his grief was very great.” They observed, and rightly so, that Job had been through a great deal. Was the sadness, tearing of clothes and silence of these “friends” encouraging?
After Job finally speaks and laments his birth in his misery, his so-called friends, in turn, desperately seek to convince Job that he had done some great evil to bring these catastrophes upon himself. As these so-called friends continually assailed him, and as he faced the myriad of difficulties thrust upon him, Job still maintained his integrity. Even as the news of tragedy, forfeiture and loss were brought upon him, Job 1:22 tells us: “In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.” The least his acquaintances and friends could have offered their brother at that point would be some words of encouragement.
Job, in the midst of pain and misery, in Job 14:14a, presents a question that would remain unanswered for thousands of years. “If a man die, shall he live again? ” This question without an answer is most discouraging. Imagine living life, and suffering the pains and agonies experienced in life not knowing if there is something beyond the grave. It seems that Job had a sense that there was something after death as he pointed out in the latter part of the verse. He said: “all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.” Of course the ‘plan of God’ for Salvation had yet to be fully revealed to mankind. It would be revealed in due time.
In Gal. 4:4, we are told that God’s plan was being carried out. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,. God’s Son came to earth to die, be buried, and resurrected to die no more. He willingly did so to purchase the church so man could possibly have life after death. We read of this promise of God in Titus 1:2. In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;. We also know how He made this known to mankind in Titus 1:3a. But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching. He wants all to know how to become part of the ‘family of God’ so they can look forward to enjoying the blessings God had provided for those who obey Him.
Yes, friends, there is encouragement available now. In 1Cor. 15:19 the Holy Spirit, had Paul write: “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” Through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, all now have hope for life after this physical time on earth. The preaching of the gospel reveals this soul saving message to all humanity. In 2Cor. 6:1-2, we read some most encouraging Words. Paul was directed to write: We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) This means in this, the final dispensation of time, all have opportunity to hear and obey the gospel message of salvation. This is most encouraging.
What is discouraging is the fact that many refuse God’s soul saving plan of Salvation. Man offers many ‘variations of plans’ for salvation. But can man save? Acts 4:12 clearly teaches that salvation is only available through Christ. Eph. 1:3 shows that all spiritual blessings are in Christ. Don’t follow man-made doctrine or be falsely encouraged by it.
God’s Salvation plan is available to you if you are of the age of accountability and of sound mind. Will you not hear God’s Word, obey it, remain faithful to God and His Word for the remainder of your life? You can, if you will, and that is the most encouraging thing of all times.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
