*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*
*JESUS IS A LIFE-GIVING SPIRIT (3)*
*Scripture Treasure.*
Eccl 9:4-5
*For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.*
*For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.*
*Insight and Highlight.*
Come what may, you must always appreciate that you are better alive than dead.
It is unbelievable but true that not everyone in existence is really living
*Scripture Commentaries.*
God has given us individual freedom to be meaningful in our own lives.
Not so that we solely depend on our abilities because *" ...by strength shall no man prevail,..."* 1 Sam 2:9, but He has given us the freewill to be creative, to work hard for our earnings and provide for our families, Matt 25:15, ref 2 Thess 3:10, 1 Tim 5:8.
There are two things, among others, that could make life meaningless or frustrating to people.
First, when people are deprived of basic human needs, opportunities, and fundamental rights.
Deplorable working conditions, lack of amenities, etc. These are often traceable to Government and social justice.
Second, though fundamental rights may be provided, the insatiable needs and wants of the children of men. Nothing seems to satisfy, Eccl 1:8.
Where both factors are present, it is true, though pitiful, that a person may be alive but may be wrestling with big questions involving the meaning of life. There is a loss of existential power.
Existential has to do with human existence.
Solomon had an existential crisis. Nothing under the sun made sense to him, Eccl 1:14.
It is verifiable and established that you are alive and in existence, but you do not have the free will to determine the course of your life.
People who live under regimes that
rejects private property and capitalism. These countries control individual wealth, economic activity, like mass media, restrictions on freedom of religion, and suppression of opposition and dissent. Oftentimes, if not all time, religious freedom does not exist.
This is very common with communist countries. People under this state may be described as being in existence but not living because they are not in control of their lives.
They have to rely on some higher power to determine how and where to live, what to eat, when or why they can, or can not travel.
People's spaces under this totalitarianism are intruded, so their lives are entirely meaningless.
Daniel tells us that God establishes a theocratic government where He *".....rules in the Kingdom of men....."*
Though in different governments, where either capitalist or communist rules, God still *".....works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure."* Philpn 2:13.
Solomon teaches us how important life and existence matter to God.
He tells us that a living dog is better than a dead lion.
This means that a life that is so lowly and insignificant is more powerful than a life so strong and influential but deceased.
In reference to how people are treated in our world of today or no matter how badly life or people either in power or around you may treat you, you are more powerful because you have life and you are still breathing. There can still be a turnaround!
The dog is not as powerful as the lion, but the existential life of the dog gives it an advantage over the strong lion that is dead.
Regardless of life's worries, the breath you have or the fact that you are living is hope that you are more valuable than a dead person.
Job 14:14 says *"If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come."*
Let it sink into your mind that your being alive today means so much to God.
There are no challenges in life that are worth the attention of you, considering them esteemed to request that God takes you away because of them. They do not deserve such honour over the life-giving Spirit of Jesus.
Today, Jesus chose life for you over death.
Do not ask Him to take you away. Rather, ask Him to take death away and give you life more abundantly!
*Remorse corner.*
Remember that a small life is better than a great life that is dead.
*Call to Word action.*
Unlike death, as long as you are alive, there is hope for change and restoration.
Eccl 9:5 *For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.*
*The Christian clarion duty.*
There is always an advantage of life over death.
*Prayer.*
Lord, l thank you that l am alive, not dead.
Do not let me live as if l do not exist, but let me live while l am in existence
Grant me a purpose driven longlife, in Jesus name.
Good morning all, and be blessed as you come into His presence.
God bless you.
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