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.
