Philosophers, theologians, and wise-men have suffered many a sleepless night seeking to understand and articulate this great mystery.
Continue to listen or read this article below.
Pilgrims have walked miles and monks have meditated months wondering and pondering this vital question: What is the meaning of life?
But for my friend Sasha it didn't take long to work out the meaning of life. As a lover of music and as a talented singer it was a no-brainer. 'I'm called to be a singer'...'for the Lord' she added.
How common it is to find a fellow believer who has confused their calling with their career, skills or ambition. And isn't it interesting how often 'for the Lord' is attached to our personal pursuits and preferences?
Sasha was so resolute and clear I dare not refuse to nod my head lest I get beheaded like all who oppose her 'divine right' to sing. You are not called to sing, dance, draw, calculate, read, write etc. Sorry, but your calling is more epic and holistic than that.
Here is the purpose of life in one sentence...wait for it: Your purpose in life is to 'Govern with God'. That's it. The end. Of course it's not the end you must unpack this to gain the fullness of its implication.
Governing with God is a theme outlined throughout scripture. The King has always sought to expand his royal house. First through Adam, who was his agent to govern on earth, then through the last Adam. In between the first and the last Adam was the history of the Patriarchs E.g. Abraham who received prophesy of a royal nation.
The Nation Israel like many of us failed to grasp the bigger picture, the Lord wanted to cultivate a royal people worthy and competent to govern from the promised land. A people who would and could stand with Him. He introduced the Mosaic covenant full of laws aimed at preparing the people for this high calling. But they still didn't get it. They, like Sasha, had 'better' plans and became unworthy to stand as princes and were again sold into the yoke of slavery (Ecc 10:7).
But the coming of the Prince of peace, the first amongst many heralded a new chapter in the Lord's civilising mission. 1 Cor 26-27 says “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” In other words the Lord took commoners and elevated their status to one of peculiar quality. By rebirth, we are born into a royal house as legitimate children of royal blood.
To Sasha ‘governing with God’ sounds like a cool idea, “nice alliteration” she says. She thinks of it as a great concept, a futuristic utopia maybe, and she's cool with it. As long as it does not demand anything practical, she's time short doing 9 to 5 and trying to complete her first album. But for you who think it worthy of carving out time to unpack the meaning of life, here are a few thoughts and questions I hope will help.
- The prophets spoke of a matchless King to come in Isaiah 9:6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 Who is this King and what is that government?
- Christ spoke of establishing his government when he said “...I will build my Ekklesia, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it.” Is the commonly mistranslated word “church” the same as the Ekklesia?
- How can we as a people express his purpose and our calling as co heirs (Rom 8:17) if we don't assemble, collaborate and cooperate as His government?
“Enough already” Sasha interrupts, “haven't got time for all this government mombojombo talk, I’ve got choir practise”.
