When I mediated on Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 recently, I felt God speaking to me like this:

Have you not experienced seasons and a rhythm of ebb and flow or ups and downs in life? Have you not observed that most people have to labor for what they want. Have you asked yourself what is the purpose for all that hard work?

If I am not in the picture at all, you are just spinning wheels, like a hamster! I have made everything beautiful in its time. I have seen the ugliness, and I have fixed everything.

I have set eternity in the human heart, in your heart. That’s why you are always hoping that the future will turn out well. And that’s why you innately love great endings in stories. (Don’t you feel that the best endings are the ones where hope beyond hope, the principal character is transformed into the very thing he or she hoped for! Like the ugly duckling becomes a beautiful swan. Cinderella, the ill treated poor step daughter becomes queen. Pinocchio becomes a real boy.)

Haven’t you felt your spirits soar when you see circumstances where justice, and good prevails against evil?

Everything will turn out well in your life only if you will see what I have done, and come to know me. Otherwise, work and life will continue to have no lasting meaning. You will have no lasting significance, and the ugliness will remain.

Because I am real and I am who I am, in Jesus Christ, You are not a cog in the machinery. You are not subject to ”the forces that be”.

On the contrary. Imagine enjoying your life, enjoying the fruits of your labor, and enjoying doing good works – it’s my gift to you!

What was lost? See the King and the kingdom which has come
The world is desperately longing and seeking hope. Yet they do not see that the rightful and righteous King and his kingdom, has come to restore what was ”lost”:

Purpose, significance and authority. Man was made to rule over the other living creatures. Genesis 1:28.

Needs provided for. Safety and security. Man was completely cared for by God. Genesis 1:29.

Belonging and fulfilling relationships. With God and with one another. God gave Eve to Adam. They were to multiply and start a community. It is not good for anyone to be alone or lonely! Genesis 2:18.

How can they see or believe if they have not heard or have not been shown what we know as Christians: God in the person of Jesus, through his life, death and resurrection, launched a divine invasion to overcome evil in the world, and establish his loving and powerful rule. The King and his kingdom has come to make things beautiful in your life!

Our high calling
As people who see, we have the high calling to show and speak or show and tell (desperately seeking) people the King and the Kingdom.

We are made for God’s purpose; In Jesus Christ we are significant. We have been given authority of a Priest and King.

No cog in the machinery. Not subject to the forces that be.

Show and tell people that they are now prince and princess in the God’s household. More than that, a beloved child of God. Hear God say to you, “I knew you even when you were being formed in your Mother’s womb. I was so full of glee knowing the destiny I have for you, and even now I delight in you!’’

On authority: Instead of promoting self interest or using it to oppress those who are weaker. Show and tell about an authority given to us to protect and prosper/bless the people you have authority over.

We are made for putting our trust in God; depending on him for all of our needs. Show and speak about the measure of God’s supply/provision. Out of the glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Look at the care taken to provide for the birds in the air, his concern for the little sparrow that falls to the ground. His amazing work to provide flowers for our enjoyment, even though they will wither and blow away. How much more care and concern he has for us since we are his beloved children. What a wonderful offer he makes to you: Exchanging beauty for ashes, singing for sighing, rejoicing for weeping, eternal life for death, and victory for defeat…

We are made for fulfilling relationships with God and with one another. Show and speak of acceptance and love instead of rejection, judgment and condemnation. Faithfulness and fidelity instead of betrayal!

New Life Vineyard
We invite you to our fellowship if you are curious about meeting and seeing a bunch of people who have gathered to live their lives in response to this high calling. Don’t expect us to be perfect all the time. We’re the first to admit we don’t know how to do that very well at times. But, we don’t think God has given us any alternative but to try.