“The Divine Tapestry: Understanding the Purpose of Our Lives Through Scripture”
The question of life’s purpose is a topic that has captivated human minds for ages. While numerous philosophies and religions have sought to answer this question, for believers in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, the answer is rooted in a divinely-inspired framework.
To Glorify Yehovah
Arguably, the foremost purpose of human existence according to the Bible is to glorify Yehovah. Isaiah 43:7 declares, “Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” The idea that human life’s ultimate aim is the glorification of Yehovah is a recurrent theme across both Old and New Testaments.
Psalm 86:9-10 adds, “All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.” The implication here is that our worship, adoration, and obedience bring glory to Yehovah’s name.
To Establish a Relationship with Yehovah
In Jeremiah 9:23-24, we are told, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me.'” Knowing Yehovah, understanding His character, and seeking a personal relationship with Him are depicted as fundamental aspects of our life’s purpose. We see this also in the story of Moses, who yearned to know Yehovah more intimately, asking to see His glory in Exodus 33:18.
To Serve and Love Others
Love and service to others is a foundational principle in the Bible. The Old Testament is replete with laws and guidance that orient believers toward social justice, equity, and compassion. Verses such as Proverbs 19:17, which says, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done,” emphasize the divine importance of service.
Yeshua succinctly encapsulates this concept in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of Matthew 22:37-40: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” Yeshua exemplifies this principle through his life, teachings, and acts of healing and kindness. His parable of the Good Samaritan offers a potent lesson in what it means to love and serve others unconditionally.
To Live Righteously
Living a righteous and virtuous life is another key aspect of our purpose. The Book of Proverbs is particularly vocal about this, offering wisdom on how to live a life that is pleasing to Yehovah. Proverbs 21:21 asserts, “Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.”
To Spread the Message
Yeshua’s Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 is a clarion call for believers: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Spreading the word of Yehovah and Yeshua is seen as an essential duty.
To Prepare for Eternal Life
The scriptures suggest that our earthly existence is but a preparation for eternal life. While the Old Testament concept of the afterlife is not as explicitly defined, it does offer a sense of eternal covenant and legacy through one’s descendants. On the other hand, the New Testament makes this promise explicit. John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
A Story of Purpose
Consider the biblical account of Esther, a young Hebrew woman who becomes the queen of Persia. Esther could have easily succumbed to the luxuries of the palace, forgetting her heritage and responsibilities. Yet, she rises to the occasion when her people face imminent danger. Her uncle Mordecai implores her to think about her higher purpose, stating, “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). Esther’s story is a vivid illustration of a life attuned to divine purpose—serving others, glorifying Yehovah, and living righteously.
Conclusion
The purpose of our lives, according to the scriptures, is rich and multi-dimensional. We are called to glorify Yehovah, to know Him intimately, to love and serve others, to live righteously, to disseminate the message of Yeshua, and to prepare for eternal life. These guiding principles offer not just a roadmap for a life well-lived, but they also knit together to form a tapestry of divine intent and human endeavor. Through these purposes, we find meaning, direction, and a profound sense of fulfillment, all of which echo in eternity.
