Now therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the boy as a servant to my lord, and let the boy go back with his brothers.

Genesis 42-44

Now therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the boy as a servant to my lord, and let the boy go back with his brothers. Genesis 44:33

I maintain a pause on my study of Ecclesiastes to focus on Joseph, in particular Genesis 42-44, and I lean on the Christ-Centered Exposition Series volume for this book. Based on the commentary's breakdown of the divisions and subdivisions of this text (see post from Monday, 24JUN), I move on to the third division, which explores Genesis 44.  Here, we once again see a remarkable story that unfolds where Joseph tests his brothers by, after the celebration wraps (see post yesterday), instructing his steward to hide his silver cup (vv1-2), along with their money for grain returned to them again, among their sacks - with the silver cup to be packed in Benjamin's sack.  Joseph's brothers depart to return home to Canaan but Joseph's steward catches up with them and confronts them for the "evil" they have done by stealing the money and the silver cup (v3-12).  Joseph's brothers are overwrought, they all return to the city, fully expecting harsh treatment by Joseph. Judah immediately confesses guilt (despite being innocent of stealing the money and cup), and Joseph orders that Benjamin be detained while the remaining brothers can return home (vv16-17). In vv18-34, we see Judah's extended and passionate pleading to Joseph, as Judah describes the anguish Jacob will experience if Benjamin does not return home.  The pleading concludes with Judah making an offer to Joseph that Judah take the punishment for Benjamin (although both are innocent of the alleged crime to steal the money and the silver cup). 

The below excerpts (not limited to these) from the commentary provide the following insights:

• In discussing Joseph's offer to his brothers (v17) that they can go home in peace (but leave Benjamin with him), the commentary shares: "In Matthew 4 Jesus goes into the wilderness after his baptism and is tempted by Satan three times. The third temptation has the same offer as that made to Joseph’s brothers (Matthew 4:8): Jesus could have peace (all the kingdoms of the world) through slavery (bowing down to worship Satan). However, both Judah and Jesus reject the offer." 
• "Judah speaks up on behalf of his family throughout this scene. Woven into his response are threads of a pattern of confession and repentance consistent with what God calls Christians to do when we are wrestling with sin in our lives. First, Judah owns their most glaring sin by saying that Benjamin’s only full-blooded brother “is dead” (v. 20). Though he doesn’t elaborate on this, he acknowledges the one he has sinned against, having no idea that he is speaking to that very person. Moreover, his words in verse 16 admit they have no justification for their sin: “What can we say to my lord? . . . How can we justify ourselves?” (v. 16). Though innocent in the matter of the cup, they are guilty of other crimes and have no credible defense before Joseph. Owning our sin is the first step in repentance. “How can we justify ourselves?” is a question every sinner must confront in his or her own heart. Repentant Christians recognize that there is no place for defending or justifying themselves amid sin. Second, Judah acknowledges God’s role in revealing secret sin. He says, “God has exposed your servants’ iniquity” (v16; cf. Number 32:23). Similarly, Christians must recognize the Holy Spirit’s role in exposing and convicting us of sin as we seek forgiveness (John 16:8). The kindness of the Lord brings us to repentance by exposing our iniquity (Romans 2:4). Third, Judah surrenders to the authority of the master when he declares he and his brothers are now Joseph’s “slaves” (Gen 44:16). Christians must recognize that everyone who seeks repentance must come to the same point of surrender."
• "Judah makes a final appeal, in what is one of the longest speeches in Genesis (vv. 18-34). After pleading with Joseph not to be angry (v. 18), Judah tells Joseph all that has transpired since they left Egypt the first time. Judah recounts that “the boy’s brother is dead” to him, not realizing that Joseph is in fact alive and listening to him (v. 20)."
• "Judah sees his personal responsibility for sin in the same way we all should. Each of us bears the guilt for our sin. Our sin is not an abstract issue but a personal affront to our heavenly Father. Judah’s solution to the mess is to ask Joseph if he can take Benjamin’s place (v. 33). He offers himself as a substitute to suffer for Benjamin’s sin. Joseph responds to Judah’s pleading with the determination to punish only the guilty rather than the entire group."
• "This is the first instance in the Bible of a human serving as a substitute. Readers must not miss the typological significance of this event. Judah offering himself as a substitute for Benjamin points ahead to the coming Messiah from the line of Judah. Only Jesus doesn’t just offer up his freedom but actually offers his own life. Nevertheless, both men trade freedom for the sake of restoring brothers for the sake of pleasing a father. Jesus becomes our substitute both to set us free from slavery to sin and to reconcile us to our heavenly Father (cf. John 15:13; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion - taking my place on the cross as well as the place of all of humanity for we all sin and fall short of the glory of God and the wages of sin are death.  Thank You for my salvation.  Yet I am not deserving of such blessing, the greatest gift of all time. My sin is great and it is daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you. I received your money.”

Genesis 42-44

“Peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you. I received your money.” Genesis 43:23

I maintain a pause on my study of Ecclesiastes to focus on Joseph, in particular Genesis 42-44, and I lean on the Christ-Centered Exposition Series volume for this book. Based on the commentary's breakdown of the divisions and subdivisions of this text (see post from Monday, 24JUN), I move on to the second division, which explores Genesis 43.  Here, after much consternation and hesitation about letting his remaining sons (less Simeon who remains detained in Egypt) return to Egypt with Benjamin, Jacob (Israel) relents to Judah's pleading (v11) as the famine is severe and they are in dire need of food (v1).  Upon the sons return to Egypt, they are warmly greeted by Joseph and invited in to dine (v16).  Not expecting such a warm greeting, the sons are fearful (v18) that they are being lulled into an ambush whereby they also will be taken captive just as Simeon is.   The steward of Joseph's house, apparently also a man of God as Joseph is, remarkably offers a message "do not be afraid" (v23) that calls to mind the same message from the angel Gabriel to Mary from Luke 1:30.  Joseph sees Benjamin and then weeps as he has yet to reveal his true identity to his brothers that do not recognize him - Joseph yearns to be reunited with his family (v30). At the meal they share, Joseph and his other brothers share pleasantries and conversation as the occasion is described as "merry" (v34).   

The commentary highlights a number of passages in the text, including (but not limited to)

• Judah's pleading in more detail: "[t]he brothers must take Benjamin so that the family of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob “may live and not die” (v. 8; cf. 42:2). Indeed, Judah’s insistence in this matter is important because he is essentially pleading with his father to empower him to rescue their family from death by starvation. This foreshadows what Judah’s ultimate offspring, Jesus Christ, the bread of life, does for all those found in him (John 6:35; Hebrews 2:14-15)." Judah is then described in the commentary as taking full responsibility and becoming fully accountable for Benjamin (v9). 
• Jacob's (Israel) recognition (v14) that God's favor is what is sought and this of course requires faith and trust in God
• The reunion of all the brothers is described and compared to the parable of the prodigal son: "[a]t play in this moment are parallels with the parable Jesus would tell about the prodigal son (Luke 15). But rather than the runaway son knowingly coming home from a far country to his father to pursue reconciliation, here the wayward brothers leave their home unknowingly to enter a far-off country to reconcile with the son who was lost. Fittingly, it is Joseph—the one who was mistreated and suffered harm—who initiates reconciliation."
• The dinner itself is portrayed as symbolic of the gospel message: "the dinner is a glimpse of the gospel. Think about what happens in this moment: a favored son who endured hardship as a righteous sufferer prepares a table before him in the presence of his enemies (Psalm 23:5). The brothers, of course, do not deserve to be at a feast because they are enemies of this royal figure at whose table they sit. Nevertheless, in his grace and kindness, Joseph welcomes undeserving sinners to dine alongside him and gives them a generous portion as an act of reconciliation and restoration. Isn’t that what God does for us in Christ?...In the gospel, Jesus mirrors the grace of Joseph by welcoming undeserving sinners to the table to receive a generous portion of his Spirit as an act of reconciliation and restoration. In Christ we are invited to his table so that we might taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8; 1 Pet 2:3).

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You SO much for going to cross, shedding Your blood, so that I can be reconciled to God.  I am undeserving of such blessing and my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

At this their hearts failed them, and they turned trembling to one another, saying, “What is this that God has done to us?”

Genesis 42-44

At this their hearts failed them, and they turned trembling to one another, saying, “What is this that God has done to us?” Genesis 42:28

I maintain a pause on my study of Ecclesiastes to focus on Joseph, in particular Genesis 42-44, and I lean on the Christ-Centered Exposition Series volume for this book. Based on the commentary's breakdown of the divisions and subdivisions of this text (see post from Monday, 24JUN), I move on to the third subdivision of of the first division, which explores Genesis 42:27-38.  In the text for today, we see Joseph's brothers (less Simeon who remains detained in Egypt and Benjamin who remains at home with his father Jacob) on their journey home to Canaan, and they pause for lodging on their way - v27.  When one of the brothers goes to feed his donkey - v27 - he finds that the money given to Joseph in exchange for grain has been returned, he and his brothers are fearful exclaiming - v28 - '[w]hat is this that God has done to us?' In vv29-35, upon return home, they recount to Jacob what has happened to them and that Benjamin must go to Egypt as proof that they are not spies.  Jacob is distraught as he now experiences the loss of not just Joseph, but also Simeon.  He refuses to let the brothers take Benjamin to Egypt - see vv36-38.  The commentary emphasizes how the brothers see God's hand in their circumstances - v28:  "[t]his is the first time they have acknowledged him with regard to their situation. Until this moment, they have looked at their challenges from a human perspective. But now they consider this one from God’s perspective. They consider whether his hand, his providence, might be at work behind things. This is a critical step for God’s people when they face adversity. Indeed, when presented with difficulty or hardship, we should consider whether God might be at work behind the situations we encounter (Romans 5:2-5). The brothers attempt to do this now." Chapter 42 ends with the family at a critical juncture as they are faced with a dire situation and a difficult decision.  Believers must see how God is at work in this text as He always has been and always will be as He is both the Alpha and the Omega.  It is during these times when faith in God is imperative as we lean into Him that He loves us and is always working for good in our lives. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, who is full of amazing grace and is always working for good in my life.  Thank You Jesus for Your mercies that are new every morning and never cease.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me. My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

On the third day Joseph said to them, “Do this and you will live, for I fear God[.]"

Genesis 42-44

On the third day Joseph said to them, “Do this and you will live, for I fear God[.]" Genesis 42:18

I maintain a pause on my study of Ecclesiastes to focus on Joseph, in particular Genesis 42-44, and I lean on the Christ-Centered Exposition Series volume for this book. Based on the commentary's breakdown of the divisions and subdivisions of this text (see post yesterday), I move on to the second subdivision of of the first division, which explores Genesis 42:5-26.  Here, the text describes how Joseph's brothers, with the exception of the youngest Benjamin, arrived in Egypt to purchase grain and return home to Canaan where Jacob and Benjamin awaited their return. V6 describes how Joseph's brothers bowed down before him just as he interpreted in his dream in Genesis 37:5-8.  This scenario is highlighted in the commentary as it shares: "This idea of the oppressors of God’s faith-filled people bowing before those chosen by God does not end with the Joseph narrative. The prophet Isaiah highlights this pattern as well. He writes, 'The sons of your oppressors will come and bow down to you; all who reviled you will fall facedown at your feet. They will call you the City of the Lord, Zion of the Holy One of Israel' (Isaiah 60:14)." Ultimately, all will bow down to God's chosen Messiah - Jesus Christ - see also Philippians 2:9-11.  The commentary share that its been almost twenty years since they last saw each other, and although Joseph recognizes his brothers, they fail to recognize him.  He falsely accuses them of being spies and demands that although they can purchase grain and return to Canaan, they must return with Benjamin as Joseph detains all of the brothers except one who will return to Canaan to retrieve Benjamin and then come back to Egypt. The commentary emphasizes v18 where Joseph reiterates his demands to his brothers while sharing in spite of all the challenges he has faced in captivity he never wavered in his faith and he shares "I fear God."  The implication is that Joseph sees God's hand in all things and His plan is always at work in our lives - good and bad - and while we may not like our circumstances we should try and see how God is working in all things (Romans 8:28).  We should not fear others but instead should fear God and this should animate our lives.  The commentary also shares in v18 how Joseph's test of his brothers includes reassurance that if they comply with his demands they will live, echoing Luke 10:25-28. Vv21-23 describes the shame and guilt of Joseph's brothers as they see their current predicament being due to the sin of selling Joseph into slavery. The commentary shares: "At this point in the story, Reuben brings up the fact he told the group “not to harm” Joseph. Then he adds, “Now we must account for his blood!” (v. 22). Which suggests he suspects Joseph died long ago thanks to what was done to him. It is possible Reuben’s stated conclusion has something to do with either God’s words to Cain following Abel’s murder or God’s promise to Noah, recorded in Genesis 9:5-6. There the Lord says, 'I will require a penalty for your lifeblood; I will require it from any animal and from any human; if someone murders a fellow human, I will require that person’s life. Whoever sheds human blood, by humans his blood will be shed, for God made humans in his image.' Reuben recognizes this reality. Joseph, presented as a prophet in Genesis, will be avenged by God (Luke 11:49-51)." This showdown in the text between Joseph and his brothers concludes in vv24-25 with Simeon being detained as the remaining brothers are sent home with grain, as well as with the money given to Joseph for the grain returned to them along with other provisions and supplies for their long journey home to Canaan.  The commentary for the text shares: "despite all his obvious displays of hostility toward them, [Joseph] begins their journey with a blessing."  Recognize that God is always at work!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of amazing grace and compassion - always working in my life for good - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor the good with which I am blessed. My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

So ten of Joseph's brothers went down to buy grain in Egypt. But Jacob did not send Benjamin, Joseph's brother, with his brothers, for he feared that harm might happen to him.

Genesis 42-44

So ten of Joseph's brothers went down to buy grain in Egypt. But Jacob did not send Benjamin, Joseph's brother, with his brothers, for he feared that harm might happen to him. Genesis 42:3-4

I pause my study of Ecclesiastes to focus on Joseph, in particular Genesis 42-44, and I lean on the Christ-Centered Exposition Series volume for this book. The life of Joseph is well studied and likely most Christians are very familiar with Joseph's story - yet as with all scripture there is always more for God to teach us on our journey of sanctification as He molds us into more of His image.  Joseph's biblical story starts in Genesis 37 where, although he was the most favored of his father Jacob's sons, he was hated by his brothers who sold him into slavery.  Ultimately, Joseph lands in Egypt where he serves Potiphar and Pharaoh. Despite his captivity, Joseph serves his masters well and is given increasing responsibility, leading up to Genesis 41 where Joseph becomes the second most powerful official - below only Pharaoh - in Egypt.  Key to Joseph's rise is his God-given ability to interpret dreams, and he interprets Pharaoh's dreams where he sees a coming famine in the land and is able to help Egypt prepare for this famine.  Due to Joseph's planning, Egypt not only has enough food for itself but has enough to sell to neighboring lands and this is where Genesis 42 picks up as Jacob sends his sons to Egypt to buy grain.  The commentary chapter for Genesis 42-44 is A Party, a Cup, and a Substitute. The main idea of this chapter of the commentary shares: "[t]he work of God in Joseph’s life has led to Joseph’s ability to provide food for his family to deliver them from the famine, leading to their eventual migration to Egypt. This section concludes with the first instance in the Bible of a person offering himself as a substitute for another. Judah’s actions set a pattern that will culminate in the substitutionary death of Jesus."  Three divisions are shared, each broken down with sub-divisions: 

• Joseph Meets His Brothers’ Need (42). 
• Joseph’s brothers and Jacob’s plan (42:1-4) 
• Joseph’s brothers and Joseph’s accusation (42:5-26) 
• Joseph’s brothers and Jacob’s despair (42:27-38) 
• Joseph Shows His Brothers Kindness (43). 
• The brothers return to Egypt (43:1-15). 
• The brothers enjoy Joseph’s favor (43:16-34). 
• Joseph Tests His Brothers’ Love (44). 
• Joseph tests his brothers (44:1-13). 
• Judah pleads for his brother (44:14-34).

My focus this morning is on the first division/sub-division or Genesis 42:1-4. Here the commentary provides important points for us to recognize before we dive into the text in more detail.  The commentary shares: "[Joseph's] brothers unwittingly seek help from the one they previously harmed. Whereas the brothers’ disgust sent Joseph to Egypt in the first place, desperation reunites them with him there. And almost as soon as he sees them, Joseph begins testing his brothers, uncovering much about their character and maturity. More importantly, this story gives Christians a means for better grasping the breadth of God’s goodness, the depth of our sinfulness, and our need for reconciliation. It also spotlights one of the most important concepts in God’s covenantal plans—redemption through substitution."  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessing - for my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.

Ecclesiastes 5

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:1-2

I continue my study today of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Ecclesiastes 5:1-6, which covers the first division of the commentary chapter titled Religion Is Meaningless without Jesus - the first division specifically is referred to in the commentary as Religious Ritual without the Fear of God Is Meaningless.  Here the commentary describes the woeful state of American Christianity, which has become consumer oriented-focusing on the satisfaction of the worshiper vs God who of course should be the object of a worship.  The commentary shares: "religion has become a means to use God for what we really want rather than an experience of standing in awe of the living God."  As the commentary digs into the details of Ecclesiastes 5:1-6, it shares how empty rituals of sacrifice are not pleasing to God - God wants a heart of repentance and trust and faith in Him.  Our church attendance must not be simply out of habit but truly a time of going to God in awe of who He is and being grateful for the amazing grace He has poured out for us.  On the subject of church ritual and sacrifice (i.e. tithing, etc.) God wants us to offer our bodies as a "living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1) as we should do everything for the glory of God.  We are also referred to 1 Samuel 15:22 that describes how God wants obedience to His commands not empty ritual.  The commentary then moves to the topic of prayers and how we are to approach prayer as part of worship.  Pointing to vv2-3, the commentary refers us to Matthew 6:7-8 and shares "[t]he person thinks because of how they pray, what they pray, or how many words they use that God will be favorable toward them. Some people think they must pray in King James language for God to actually listen and answer. Others think they have to be casual and refer to God as “Daddy” to be heard. What you say or how you say it is not the issue. The issue is your heart. But we so often think our heavenly Father is like earthly parents who can be asked at the right time or in the right way and we can get the answer we want."  The commentary concludes for this division's text by exploring vows in vv4-6.  We are warned not to make empty vows with God as it shares: "Solomon says in verse 5 that it is better not to make a vow than to vow and not pay it. Hold your tongue. Keep your mouth shut. One example in our culture where we make vows is marriage. It is better to be single and unmarried than to get married and break your vows. In addition to marriage vows, we make private and public promises to God—like dedicating ourselves that we will raise our children to know and love Jesus, that we will be a better spouse, that we will give to some church campaign, or that we will not lose our temper anymore with our children—but we fail to keep our promises. We dedicate ourselves in front of God and the church to raise our babies right, and we start out so well, but once they grow up and ball games or recitals start happening on Sundays, we get out of church. You make a promise not to yell at your kids on Sunday, but by Wednesday you are tired, and they grate on your nerves so you explode. Solomon says not to let your mouth make you sin and not to tell the messenger it was a mistake to make that vow. The messenger most likely refers to a temple official who ensured vows were fulfilled (Enns, Ecclesiastes, 68)."  Breaking a vow with God angers Him and this is dangerous indeed - see Acts 5 for the story of Ananias and Sapphira as an example of God's wrath for those who do not deal honestly with God.  We should not try and manipulate God but instead revere Him and worship Him with a true and repentant heart that is grateful for His amazing grace.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of amazing grace and whose mercies are new every morning and never cease.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such incredible blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and energy.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.

Ecclesiastes 5

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:1-2

I continue my study today of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my focus is an unassisted review of Ecclesiastes 5:1-6, which covers the first division of the commentary chapter titled Religion Is Meaningless without Jesus - the first division specifically is referred to in the commentary as Religious Ritual without the Fear of God Is Meaningless .  Here, Solomon calls out those who focus on the "theater" of church worship - where the focus is on something other than God - this could be the self-edifying prayers of a worshiper, or the sermon from the pastor, both of whom may be focusing on self-glorification vs glorifying God.  For worship, Solomon rightly seeks to focus our hearts solely on Jesus and His glory.  God not only deserves this glory, we exist for this purpose!  Also, God is in control (He is in heaven - v2) and we should be careful how we approach God, recalling how inappropriate worship in scripture (see also how Aaron's sons died in Leviticus 10:1-2) is sinful.  We are to love God first, then love others and our worship should reflect this focus. Yes, God wants us to worship Him in song and praise, to offer heartfelt and authentic prayers, but he also wants us to "be still and know that [He] is God" (Psalm 46:10).

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a good, good Father and I love You - You are worthy of my worship and I know that is why I exist.  Thank You for the blessings of a church that respects Godly worship.  I am not deserving of the blessings for how You directed me to my church, and how You bless me in so many other ways - my cup overflows!  I am not deserving because my sin is great and it is daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.