Year B Pentecost 21 – Job 38:1-7, (34-41); Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c; Hebrews 5:1-10; Mark 10:35-45
The concept of eternity is beyond human comprehension. We live a finite life that seeks to understand what can be seen, heard, felt, tasted, and smelled. Yet within our very being is something that yearns to comprehend the incomprehensible. We have an internal longing to understand values, virtues, and voices that speak to something beyond our earthly existence.
Job, the oldest book of the Bible, provides a dialogue with humanity’s Creator. Our existence is painted within a big picture. Individual suffering is explained as part of a larger story. The appeal to origins of humanity and earth’s creation is given to demonstrate the existence of One who is older than the universe itself. The Creation was performed by God who is eternal.
The lessons of Job are learned and applied by the Psalmist. The eternal works of God are confirmed with a self-realisation of God’s infinity. When we touch those inner yearnings that speak to something beyond us, we break out in praise.
The Christian faith is one that confesses eternal life. Eternal life is more than abundant living – it is a life not limited to Time or Space. Jesus Christ was begotten by God in eternity past. Christ provided himself as the needed sacrifice in eternity present. He did this in capacity of an high priest that enables salvation for eternity future.
The example of Jesus Christ helps us understand his teachings. His disciples did not comprehend the eternal nature of Jesus’ work. Only in hindsight could they comprehend the lesson of selfless living. Jesus Christ gave his life as a ransom for Humanity. When we, like Job, demand to be heard, we fall silent at the presence of eternal works. We are not here for selfish gain of riches, mana, or knowledge. We are here to give God glory. With our finite lives, we are able to launch out into eternal life through the eternal works of an eternal God.