Module: missiology. Name: Theresa .N. Ozoemenam. Date: 14/10/07
By reading through the writngs of Psalm, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Job, we find out that the passages have a story of messages as a mission through which songs and praises are being ministers to God or to God’ s people. This is supported by Jewish tradition as the book of psalms are sometimes correspond to the five books of the pentateuch. The book of psalms are classified into many sections such as didactic psalms give instruction e.g. Ps. 119, messaianic psalms involve prophecy relating to the messaiah, imprecatory psalms involve pleas to God for the punishment of the wicked, penitential psalms express not only the feelings of a repentant heart but also appeal for divine cleansing,psalm 6:32;38, 51,102, 130, and 143. And some psalms are sung as songs in the temple. The psalms are powerfully known to convey the feelings common to beleivers of all ages. In short the nature of Hebrew poetry can be seen for expressing strong feelins. The book is intemately personal as it explores the whole realm of human emotion from deep despair to ecstatic delight. This also can quitebe yearning for a vengeance towards a spirit of humility and forgiviness, and to sincere pleading with God for total protection to jubilant praise for His delivance. Thus the over all principle can be seen in all the psalms and this the reason why the writers have a serene confidence in God’s guidance and provision. It is consequently beleived that the psalms were mostly used for liturgical purposes.
The book of proverbs theme is recorded in proverbs 1: 7, meaning ‘fearing the LORD’. This book gives message of direct advice and indirect advice to people of all ages. This boob also talks about God’s sovereignty chapt.16,21, and it talks about child training chapt 22. however, some chapt. deal with collection of admonitions, bebvolence, the contrast between the right way and the wrong way, and avoiding drunkenness.
Job’ book is said to be poetical book of Old Testament. At this of period there was no measiac law and Job acted as a priest to his family. Tis book recognises the Almighty as God and referred to this name for thirty times. But the purpose of this book is to show the benevolence of God and unfathomable wisdom of His providence even in the trials brought upon God’ s children. It goes on to explain why God allows righteous people to suffer, exposing their frailty and sinfulness. It also helps to strenghten their faith and purifying them at the same time. This shows the spiritual account of how God exercised total power and control over satan, promoting trust in God.
The book of Ecclesiastes applies the christian life in contrast to that of Solomon and it is warning those who already know Christ as their personal saviour to come back from their prodigal ways. And Solomon examples are a warning to those who have not received Christ to do so because life without Christ is complete vanity. The preacher’s consideration of life without God has led him to conclude that life is unjust and if there is no proper relationship to God every other thing in life will be empty and that is vanity. In short this book gives the message of hope, peace and faith in the Lord rather than things of this world.
