Your Search for Life’s Purpose Begins with Yeshua

Your Search for Life’s Purpose Begins with Yeshua

During the 1992 Vice Presidential debates, retired Admiral James Stockdale1 captivated the audience by opening with two thought-provoking questions: “Who am I and Why am I here?” These questions were both relevant and timely, especially considering that most voters didn’t know who the Reform Party candidate was at the time.

While the reasons may vary, it is important to recognize that the questions raised by Stockdale are universal, often surfacing at various stages in our lives. As each of us embarks on a journey to define our personal identity we seek to understand our life’s purpose. What are we truly meant to do with our lives?

However, discovering biblically sound answers to these pressing questions can be challenging without a solid foundation of faith. Without faith in Yeshua, our lives can feel empty, devoid of meaning and purpose.

By laying down his life willingly, Yeshua went from suffering servant to High Priest. His priesthood is the means by which he will ultimately present believers to the Father as spotless, blameless, and worthy of citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. The door has been opened for humanity to connect with our Redeemer and comprehend this unmerited gift the Father has for every individual through Yeshua.

As a result, those who choose to believe in the promises of the Messiah will find themselves better equipped to answer the questions “Who am I and Why am I here?” with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.

Finding Life’s Purpose Begins with Faith and Obedience

When the Father sent Yeshua, He articulated a purposeful goal – redeem humanity from the penalty of sin. Our goal should be to avail ourselves of this magnanimous offer of eternal life.

As was mentioned, the starting point for discovering our true identity and purpose for our life lies in knowing our Messiah. This is not a ‘casual acquaintance’ type of relationship. The art of  ‘knowing’ someone implies intimacy borne out of shared experiences – good times and bad.

And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith YHWH.

Jeremiah 9:3

The nation of Israel had a veiled understanding of the Truth that persisted up to the first coming of Yeshua. Although the Prophets and other righteous men and women desired to open their eyes, their attempts remained mostly fruitless. 

You see, Truth can only be discovered and understood in the repository of Eloah’s Word – the Scriptures. Truth can only be unlocked by the Set Apart Spirit – the Ruach HaKodesh.

The word used for truth in Jeremiah 9:3 is emunah (Strong’s H530). It can be translated literally as ‘firmness’, or figuratively as ‘security’; moral fidelity. Truth always trumps tradition.2 But the people of Israel  were destined to remain in a state of perpetual spiritual blindness because they were not valiant for the truth.

According to the Biblical Illustrator,3 “valour for the truth is most signally displayed by a consistent, prayerful, and persevering obedience to all its requirements.” Truth is real, not an esoteric concept. You have to desire it badly enough that you are committed to obediently persevering in your efforts to grab hold of it through study and faith.

When Pilate asked “What is truth?”4 Yeshua did not even bother to answer him, since it was asked from a heart of contempt. If the Roman Prefect (governor of Judea) had been sincere, no doubt Yeshua would have taken the time to explain.

Theologian Albert Barnes on the subject of  ‘truth’:

“This question had long agitated the world. It was the great subject of inquiry in all the schools of the Greeks. Different sects of philosophers had held different opinions, and Pilate now, in derision, asked him, whom he esteemed an ignorant fanatic, whether he could solve this long-agitated question. He might have had an answer. If he had patiently waited in sincerity, Jesus would have told him what it was. Thousands ask the question in the same way. They have a fixed contempt for the Bible; they deride the instructions of religion; they are unwilling to investigate and to wait at the gates of wisdom; and hence, like Pilate, they remain ignorant of the great Source of truth, and die in darkness and error.”

One of the best definitions of truth I ever read was this: truth is when your words and deeds match. Truth is inextricably tied to integrity. In John 17:17, Yeshua explains that Yah’s Word embodies truth and that the Almighty El sets apart individuals through this Truth for a sacred purpose in a world that opposes believers in the Gospel.

In an effort to shore up the faith of certain Hebrew converts to the Gospel (post resurrection), the author of the letter to the Hebrews had to remind them of several important biblical truths:

  • Yeshua is the author and finisher of faith.
  • Life’s trials are necessary for maturity.
  • Our confession must be evident in our lifestyle.
  • We should not downplay the significance of obedience.
  • Our salvation is tied to Yahuah’s purpose for creating us.

Yeshua, the Author and Finisher of our Faith

We are known by the company we keep. The characteristics and behaviors of  Yeshua should be reflected in our own character, behaviors, and values.

Therefore, we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, putting aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, let us run with patient endurance the race that has been set before us, fixing our eyes on Yeshua, the author and finisher of faith, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of Eloah.

Hebrews 12:1-2

As we seek to follow Yeshua, it is essential that we match His behavior. We need to set aside sin, doubt, rebellion, and anything that hinders our spiritual well-being. It’s important to endure trials with grace, choosing to refrain from complaining. By bearing our individual crosses with integrity, we become living testimonies of Yeshua’s faithfulness to His Father’s calling and purpose.

Life’s Trials Are Necessary for Maturity

Sometimes I wish I could have a conversation with my 20 year old self. I would tell her “Girl, stop freaking out about your near-empty refrigerator or how you’re going to pay for next month’s car payment!” Looking back at my life I realize that all that worrying was so pointless. 

Then again, I must confess that even today – depending on the crisis – I have moments of fear and doubt concerning the future. (This was especially true during the period leading up to last November’s Presidential elections.) But each time I am tempted to slip back into those old habits, the Ruach reminds me of Yeshua’s sermon on the mount:

For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, what you will eat, and not for your body, what you will wear. Is your life not more than food and your body more than clothing?

Matthew 6:25

Keep this in mind: The past is finished. The future doesn’t exist. The present (now) is the only ‘real’ existence Yah & Yeshua inhabit.

…for the nations5 seek after all these. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow, because tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:32-34

Our faith must be tested through trials. Trials bring us to a place of spiritual maturity.

Our brother James wrote: “Consider it all joy, my brothers, whenever you encounter various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacing in nothing.”

When we endure rough times we learn patience. But we must let patience complete its work by allowing it to become fully developed, unhindered. Patiently waiting for anything does not give us license to complain, murmur, or act out emotionally. While waiting for our answers to prayer,  we do not have the right to question Yah’s character or motives in allowing certain things to happen.

When we try to circumvent the waiting process, we sabotage Yah’s timeline and blessings are delayed.

Our attitude should be to read what the Word says and do it. We must leave the outcome to Yah, knowing that whatever happens will always be for our good and His glory.

Our ‘Confession’ Must Be Evident In Our Lifestyle

No one appreciates a hypocrite—especially a believer who constantly criticizes others for faults they themselves possess. The term “hypocrite” originates from a Greek word that translates to “play actor.” In ancient times, a hypocrite was an individual who wore a mask and feigned to be someone else.

Yeshua compared hypocrisy to building a house on shaky ground.

But why do you call me ‘Master, Master,’ and do not do what I say? Everyone who is coming to me, and is hearing my words and is doing them I shall show you whom he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock. And when a flood came, the stream burst against that house, but was unable to shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But the one hearing and not doing, is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream burst, and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.

Luke 6:46-49 TS2009

Finding life's purpose involves being authentic and not wearing the mask of hypocrisy.

In the Scriptures, hypocrites were also known as wolves in sheep’s clothing and people who engaged in worship based on tradition and not Yah’s Word. John the Immerser challenged religious hypocrites to produce fruits worthy of repentance.

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Offspring of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?  Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance!  And do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones! Already now the ax is positioned at the root of the trees; therefore every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one who comes after me is more powerful than I am, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Matthew 3:7-12

Therefore he was saying to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “Offspring of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance! And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones!  And even now the ax is positioned at the root of the trees; therefore every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

Luke 3:7-9

We must examine our lives and take care that our behavior matches our confession.

We Should Not Downplay the Significance of Obedience

Yeshua learned obedience  through the things he suffered. So why do we think that we can avoid suffering as we strive to be obedient? Whenever you push back against evil in obedience to the Word you can expect to suffer.

Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from what He suffered.

Hebrews 5:8

As we disciple under the direction of our Savior and High Priest Yeshua, we must remember that while he walked the earth as a man, he endured the same tests that we must endure. He had to resist sin. In resisting he also suffered. So Yeshua is not asking us to do something he himself did not do

Although he was the Son of The Most High and aware of his exalted status, he still learned through sinless experience what obedience demanded – suffering. His experiential perspective on life as a human was something the angels had trouble grasping.

Our Salvation is Tied to Yahuah’s Purpose for Creating Us

Paul told Timothy that believers have been called and redeemed to a holy life because of  Yahuah’s purpose and favor which was gifted to us in Messiah.

So do not be ashamed of the witness of our Master, nor of me his prisoner, but suffer hardship with me for the Good News according to the power of Elohim, who has saved us and called us with a set-apart calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and favor which was given to us in Messiah Yeshua before times of old, but now revealed by the appearing of our Savior Yeshua Messiah, who indeed abolished death and brought life and incorruptibility to light through the Good News…

2 Timothy 1:8-10 TS2009

The notion of  ‘purpose’ is sprinkled throughout the Scriptures. Job said, “I know you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” ( Job 42:2)

Proverbs 19:21 states: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is Yah’s purpose that prevails.”

In Paul’s letter to those at Philippi, we learn that it is Elohim who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His purpose.” 

According to the Oxford dictionary, the word purpose can be defined as “the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.” A coffee cup is designed as a receptacle for a hot beverage. Books are communication devices whereby ideas are transmitted via language through the printed word. 

In the Bible, one of the key verses that emphasizes man’s duty or purpose to love Yahuah  is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Specifically, Deuteronomy 6:5 states: “You shall love the Yahuah your Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”

Additionally, in the New Testament, Yeshua reiterates this commandment in Matthew 22:37, where He says: “You shall love the Yahuah your Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

These passages highlight the importance of loving Yahuah as a fundamental aspect of faith and duty. 

But Wait. There’s More.

On our way to fulfilling our purpose in life, we must contend with obstacles in the form of malevolent people or challenging circumstances that will test our resolve.

It is interesting to contemplate why our tests and trials often revolve around difficult people. That narcissistic spouse, unreasonable boss, or mercurial friend may have been allowed to enter our orbit to help mold and shape us so we can achieve Yah’s purpose for our life. 

If you think this is a preposterous notion, consider the role Pharaoh played during the time of Mosheh and Aaron. In the book of Exodus we are told that it was Yah Himself who raised him up for a purpose.

But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. Exodus 9:16

Even the Pharoah of Egypt had a life purpose in the eyes of Yah.

Elohim kept Pharaoh standing, permitting him to live and hold out until His own purpose was accomplished. His purposes were:

  1. To overthrow Egyptian deities, proving that YHWH was the only true El.
  2. To punish Israel’s oppressor.
  3. To confront the sovereign’s pride.
  4. To effect the deliverance of the captives.

When we engage with challenging individuals and address them according to biblical principles, two outcomes arise: we show unbelievers that the Bible’s guidance on living is a practical resource in our faith journey, and we gain a deeper insight into how suffering shapes us into the individuals Yah intended us to become. In this way, Yah’s purpose for our lives is fulfilled.

The roadmap has been given us by our Redeemer. It is up to us as his disciples to choose this day who we will serve – the world’s  ideas on how to find purpose in life or Yah’s. 

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both you and your seed may live.

Deuteronomy 30:19

And if it seems evil to you to serve YHWH choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve YHWH.

Joshua 24:15

Serving Yahuah with sincerity and truth can only come from a heart that is freely and willingly devoted. This is the invitation that Joshua extends, just as Moses did before him. It is the sole path to discovering and fulfilling our purpose in life.

Postscript: Stoicism vs. the Gospel. 

How will you be remembered after you die? Will people remember you as a mighty warrior for the Kingdom or someone who was a believer in name only?

At the start of this article, Vice-Admiral James Stockdale was mentioned for posing two questions: “Who am I and Why am I here?” Although he was treated by the media as a punchline and by history as a footnote, Stockdale lived a remarkable life as a soldier. Even so, history mostly remembers him as a stoic. There is no information to suggest he was a believer in Yeshua or regarded the Bible. His United States Naval Academy biography states that he “lectured extensively on the stoicism of Epictetus and on those character traits which serve one best when faced with adversity.” 

Stoicism will not save us from the second death. Only belief in the Messiah and adherence to Yah’s Word will.


Footnotes:

1 US Naval Academy article on Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale.

2 Mark 7:13  “Nullifying the Word of Elohim through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such traditions you do.” TS2009

3 The Biblical Illustrator: A collection of commentaries on every verse of the Bible, compiled by Joseph S. Exell.

4 John 18:38

5 The word for nations is the Greek term ‘ethnos’, (Strong’s G1484) translated as race, tribe; specifically a foreign (non-Hebrew) one (usually by implication pagan): – Gentile, heathen, nation, people.

6 James 1:2-4

7 Philippians 2:13 Some translations of the Greek word eudokia (Strong’s G2107) read “good pleasure” instead of purpose.