By Joab Cano
What does God desire for humanity? I’m sure this question has crossed our minds many times in our life and perhaps it may be difficult to answer. However, one thing we are all certain about is that God is merciful. The almighty always seeks the best for mankind. Therefore, the creator has always wanted humanity to listen to him and to act according to his will. As a result, God has always made his desire be known to humanity throughout the ages.
To begin, God has provided many opportunities for mankind. The apostle Paul writes about these opportunities in Hebrews 1:1, “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets…” The apostle makes it clear to understand that God is merciful. How many times did God give opportunities? Paul writes that it was at various different times. How many ways did God speak? The apostle mentions that it was in various different ways. Who did God utilize to speak to humanity? The prophets; men, who were of flesh and bones just like you and I, but who were the special messengers that God sent. One example of God’s opportunity to humanity was through Noah, who was given a message to deliver to the people of that time. Unfortunately, only eight people accepted the message and were saved in that opportunity (1 Peter 3:20). Thus, it’s evident that God is merciful and provides the opportunities for the people.
In addition, the apostle Paul writes that God used Jesus Christ to call humanity to seek him. It says in Hebrews 1:2 “has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds…” Jesus was a man who also had flesh and bones. A man who also felt emotions and suffered like any human being. When Jesus was on earth, he proclaimed about this opportunity for humanity and expressed the words that are written in Matthew 11:28-29 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” There is a promise to those who hear the calling of God and come to him. Those who come to God and seek him will find a rest for their soul.
Furthermore, Jesus specified how to obtain that rest within the soul. The peace that God offers will not be obtained by worldly objects or wealth. Jesus mentioned that peace will be obtained when we take his yoke and learn from him. When we follow the teachings of Christ and follow his example in our everyday life, we will find a rest for our soul. On another occasion, the words of Jesus were written down in Luke 9:23 “Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” As we read the statement of Jesus, it’s important to reflect on what he is saying. What does it mean to follow Christ? Jesus says, “let him deny himself…” In order to follow Christ, we have to deny ourselves and what our flesh likes or wants to do. We must leave all that behind and instead, take his yoke, learn from him, take up his cross every day, and follow him.
Thus, God’s calling to humanity has always been to seek him and serve him. Today, God is still providing an opportunity for mankind. Therefore, I would like to extend an invitation to visit a congregation of The Light of the World faith, where you can learn what God desires for your life. If you live in Juneau, we invite you to join us at: 1997 Dunn St. Suite #3. We are open Monday-Saturday at 6:30pm & Sunday at 10 am and 5pm. May the peace of God dwell in your hearts and God bless you all!
• Joab Cano is a missionary for the Light of the World Church. Living & Growing” is a weekly column written by different authors and submitted by local clergy and spiritual leaders. It appears every Friday on the Juneau Empire’s Faith page.
