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.  

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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.

Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

Ecclesiastes 12:12-14

Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:12-14

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 12:12-14, which covers the fourth division of the commentary chapter titled Politics and Justice Are Meaningless without Jesus - the fourth division specifically is referred to in the commentary as Ecclesiastes Cries Out for a Better King, a Resurrection, and a Final Judgment.  Here, the commentary offers several key takeaways:

• "Our longing for righteous political leaders who set things right is a longing for King Jesus. In His kingdom there is no oppression. There is no inequality. We see this now in seed form in the church—the outpost of the kingdom. Rich and poor, slave and free, sit down together at the table."
• We can defer death with a healthy lifestyle but we cannot escape it and judgement awaits us all - the only option we have is believe in the One who died on the cross - bearing all sin for all of humanity, taking the punishment we all deserve, and giving us the free gift of His grace.  All we need to do is confess and repent our sin, believe, have faith, and surrender our lives to Jesus Christ! He alone will ultimately end oppression and injustice.
  
• "Building a nation on God’s laws will not change America any more than it changed ancient Israel because laws do not change the human heart. Only Jesus can do that."
  

 An earthly life is full of many pursuits (that are meaningless and futile), but for those who believe and trust in God we must remember that our "whole duty" is to "fear God and keep His commandments."

Jesus is the King of Kings - and He saves! Repent, confess, believe, and trust in Him!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and mercies daily that never cease - You guide, care, protect, heal, etc. Thank You Jesus for saving me!  I am not deserving of such love and 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 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.

My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Ecclesiastes 12:12-14

 My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.  For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:12-14

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 12:12-14, which covers the fourth division of the commentary chapter titled Politics and Justice Are Meaningless without Jesus - the fourth division specifically is referred to in the commentary as Ecclesiastes Cries Out for a Better King, a Resurrection, and a Final Judgment.  Here, Solomon concludes the book of Ecclesiastes by lovingly looking to pass on final words on the meaning and purpose of life to his son Rehoboam.  The commentary combines Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:3 and 5:8-9 with these final verses of the book to reinforce how scripture should be read in its entirety and be seen as perfect and "...breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  Therefore, Ecclesiastes should not be interpreted on its own but as part of a broader redemption story as part of God's plan - which again is perfect.  Also, we should see Jesus in all books of the Bible as He is the Alpha and the Omega, and part of the Holy Trinity - as He is God and present with God since the beginning (John 1:1-2).  Solomon's parting words - this fourth division - of course reinforce how all things are meaningless without God, that we exist solely to serve and glorify Him, and today we are encouraged to see Jesus as part of message that earthly authorities do serve a purpose and were created by God, but they are not God and should not become idols for us to do what only God can do - God truly saves! Jesus is the King of Kings!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion - providing earthly authorities in my life that serve me and most importantly You give me Yourself, the Holy Spirit, my salvation, and Your Word.  Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and without I would be lost.  Thank You Jesus.  Yet I am undeserving of all of these 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 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.  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.

If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them.

Ecclesiastes 4:1-3, 13-16, and 5:8-9

If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them. Ecclesiastes 5:8

I continue my study today of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my focus is an commentary assisted review of Ecclesiastes 4:1-3, 13-16, and 5:8-9, which covers the third division of the commentary chapter titled Politics and Justice Are Meaningless without Jesus - the third division specifically is referred to in the commentary as Politics is Meaningless.  Here, the commentary reinforces my post from yesterday, and provides insights by sharing: "politics in this fallen world is meaningless....You cannot end oppression altogether....Certainly we should work for justice. We should engage in mercy ministry. This is near God’s heart and talked about repeatedly throughout the Bible, especially in the wisdom literature. But without Christ, it will not be completely changed....There is no lasting change in the political realm....Cronyism is the inevitable result of politics. If you scratch my back, I will scratch yours....There is injustice in the world, so people are given authority to restrain evil and uphold good. The problem is that power corrupts, so those in authority often use their power for their own good and not the good of the citizens. As a result, we now completely distrust and reject authority. The way Christian people talk about the president and politicians on Facebook is absolutely sickening. The Bible commands us to pray for our leaders—believe me, you do not want to be in their position making the calls they have to make—but instead we tear them down. There is a definite tension here because absolute power corrupts, but we need authority for our own good."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who cares about us and gives us earthly authority that does much good for us - thank You Jesus! I am undeserving of such love and care...and certainly undeserving of 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. 

If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them.

Ecclesiastes 4:1-3, 13-16, and 5:8-9

If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them. Ecclesiastes 5:8

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 4:1-3, 13-16, and 5:8-9, which covers the third division of the commentary chapter titled Politics and Justice Are Meaningless without Jesus. In today's text, Solomon reflects on the futility of faith in politics and government - where competing factions constantly seek advantage over the others to gain power and influence outcomes in their favor, sometimes for personal gain.  The futility of this faith is that government is comprised of people and we know that all of humanity sins and falls short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8) so any institution comprised by people is by definition marred by sin.  Believers should submit to authorities placed over us by God (as He is in control), but we should of course not make idols of such authorities above faith in God. Solomon points out how this futility often plays out as one corrupt official is often being monitored by another corrupt official, etc. Place your faith in the King of Kings Jesus Christ!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You reign and are King of Kings - thank You for how You rule with perfect justice and mercy for those who submit to You.  I am not deserving of such 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 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.

For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity.

Ecclesiastes 3

For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity. Ecclesiastes 3:19

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 3:18-22, which is the second division of the commentary chapter titled Politics and Justice Are Meaningless without Jesus (covering Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:3, and 5:8-9). The commentary describes how Solomon reflects on how we - collectively as humanity - treat one another as beasts:  "[E]ven though we have moral sensibilities, we treat one another like animals. We deal with one another in the most disgusting ways imaginable. From Hitler to Stalin to Polpot and the Khmer Rouge killing fields, we see barbaric acts that humans commit against other humans. My first mission trip was to Cambodia where the Khmer Rouge wiped out so much of the population. As we walked over the killing fields with the missionaries, they showed us trees where babies were bashed to death. The barbarism was sickening. That is Solomon’s point. Wickedness increases, and like the days of the flood where both animals and humans died, judgment is needed!" The commentary then highlights how God created man in Genesis 1 to have dominion over the beasts, yet we became like the beasts in how we treat one another. The commentary goes further sharing how beasts are described throughout scripture, including how "evil nations...attack Israel (see Psalm 80:13, Daniel 7:3)," and how "the antichrist and the false prophet  are called beasts (see also Revelation 13)." As the commentary winds down for this division, it explores vv19-21 more closely by sharing that while we have certainty of our own death, we have less certainty what happens after death: "[s]ince we do not know what happens beyond this life, we have to rely on the eternal God who put eternity in our hearts. We are told to enjoy His gifts while we can. Ecclesiastes 3 ends with another carpe diem passage that tells us to live life to the fullest. Ecclesiastes does not deny the afterlife, but it does commend us to take death seriously. Just as the psalmist tells us to number our days (Psalm 90:10-12), Ecclesiastes says that life is short and we need to make the most of it (Garrett, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, 305)." Making the most of our lives must include loving God and loving others as He intends - the two most important commandments!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion - giving me hope in this life and hope that You are saving me a place in Heaven - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love me, bless me, save me, and seal me so that no one can take from You.  Thank You - but again I am not deserving...not at all.  Please forgive me for my sin that is great and daily.  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.

For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity.

Ecclesiastes 3

For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity. Ecclesiastes 3:19

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 3:18-22, which is the second division of the commentary chapter titled Politics and Justice Are Meaningless without Jesus (covering Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:3, and 5:8-9).  Here, Solomon reflects on how death is a fate that all of humanity shares.  Humanity also shares a common fate - our sin nature and our sin - as all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8). For believers, we know that death is deserved because of the sin we commit - all of us - see Romans 6:23.  Yet, because of God's love (John 3:16), Jesus Christ, in an act of amazing grace, died on the cross so that believers who confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, are no longer slave to sin and have eternal life in Heaven. Amazing grace indeed - we don't get what we do deserve, but we do get what we don't deserve. Thank You Jesus for this amazing gift - the greatest gift of all time!  Accept the free gift of God's grace!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of amazing grace - giving me what I don't deserve and sparing me from what I do deserve.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love, amazing grace, and the gift of 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 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.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message today and every day.

I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work.

Ecclesiastes 3

I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work. Ecclesiastes 3:17

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 3:16-17, which is the first division of the commentary chapter titled Politics and Justice Are Meaningless without Jesus (covering Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:3, and 5:8-9).  The commentary first posits that in our fallen world, all paths to promote justice, whether it be through the government and the political process, or through social change/justice that might leverage non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or non-profits/charities, ultimately fall short of perfect (most far short) justice because we are all sinful and imperfect. Humanity's collective sin and imperfect motives and actions mar our efforts.  V17 offers encouragement for those seeking perfect justice as God alone is judge and He will judge everyone according to their deeds - every knee will bow and tongue will confess Jesus as Lord and Savior (see also Philippians 2:9-11). The commentary shares: "God has a carefully timed plan, but we cannot know when it will be executed. Even Jesus, when He laid aside His glory in the incarnation, admitted that the Son of Man did not know the time and hour (Matthew 24:36). Of course, He knows now in His exalted and glorified state! But even though he does not know the timing, Solomon trusts that God will set things right and that injustice will finally be reversed. The wicked will not ultimately get away with it (Greidanus, Preaching Christ, 99)." Seek God as a means to gain peace knowing that God has a plan (and it's perfect) for justice in this world, on judgement day, and in the world to come (Heaven).  

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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 - giving me peace knowing that Your justice is perfect.  Thank You Jesus for this peace and for how it is a peace that surpasses all understanding as it is a blessing well beyond justice. I am not deserving for this peace or any other blessing or gift that comes from above - including 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.

I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work.

Ecclesiastes 3

I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work. Ecclesiastes 3:17

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 3:16-17, which is the first division of the commentary chapter titled Politics and Justice Are Meaningless without Jesus (covering Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:3, and 5:8-9). In v16, Solomon shares a frustration over how pervasive wickedness is in the world around us - believers and non-believers alike share a desire for justice but often you cannot see justice....this is the root cause for the frustration many will feel.  Yet believers should know that God alone is the Judge and everyone (either upon death or upon Jesus' second coming) will be held accountable for their deeds, and if not saved, will be subject to eternal damnation.  Indeed, that we live in a fallen world rife with sin and wickedness should drive us into the arms of Jesus who helps us see how ever knee will ultimately bow (see John Piper post here).  Believers gain peace knowing that God's justice is perfect - bow to Jesus now and feel the peace that surpasses all understanding!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion with me, and You give me peace knowing that Your justice is perfect because You are perfect.  Thank You Jesus for this peace and for the many blessings You pour out for me...every day.  I am not deserving of these blessings, nor 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, mind and strength 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.

I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him.

Ecclesiastes 3

I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him. Ecclesiastes 3:14

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 3:10-15, which is the second division of Ecclesiastes 3 per the commentary.  A few key excerpts from the commentary to unpack v11:

•  "God is the One in charge of these times and appointed activities. And it sets up what follows. The overarching point seems to be that God has appointed or ordained all of these things as part of His bigger, hidden plan." 
  
• "The limit of man’s knowledge is a major theme in Ecclesiastes, and the purpose of exposing that reality is to drive us to faith in God."
• "We perceive and long for better things than this cursed misery, but we cannot see the full picture, and we must lean on God. We are trapped between time and eternity, and we must trust that God uses the details to work out a grander plan."
• "You were made for the Divine and for His purpose, so there should be no surprise that you get frustrated when you turn away from Him. That is the frustration Solomon has been exposing throughout the book. God wants you to be dissatisfied until you come to fellowship with Him."

To help unpack vv12-13, the commentary shares: "[a]gain the question must be asked, Who pleases God? The answer is that none of us do because we have all sinned, but Jesus Christ is the well-pleasing Son who never sinned but took God’s wrath against our sins on the cross, so that by means of faith we might become pleasing and acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Therefore, only those who believe the gospel can rightly enjoy God’s blessings as God intended instead of turning the blessings into idols."

On the question of how God's plans are perfect - vv14-15 - the commentary concludes with encouraging words how believers should see the perfection of His plan, which included Jesus dying on the cross for all of humanity's sins, as hope for sinners not just in this world but in the world to come - Heaven.  Believe in Him!

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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 for giving me hope in this world so that I don't feel futility but instead feel and see purpose...which is to bring glory to You.  I am not deserving of how You save me and give me hope.  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.

I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him.

Ecclesiastes 3

I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him. Ecclesiastes 3:14

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 3:10-15, which is the second division of Ecclesiastes 3 per the commentary.  Building on Solomon's words so far in Ecclesiastes on how all aspects of life are meaningless and futile without God, Solomon specifically looks at how time is meaningless in chapter 3.  Vv1-9 looks at the cycle of life, and how since the Fall we experience a fallen world of sin, pain, anguish, etc., how we are born and die, how there is joy and suffering, and everything in between, as God provides an appointed time and purpose for everything as He is in control. Vv10-15 describes how God's plans are perfect, and although in this life we may not understand God's ways (see also Isaiah 55:8), we know ultimately that God defeats both sin and death, and that He is saving a place for believers in Heaven and believers should have confidence and peace knowing these things.  When we get to Heaven and meet Jesus face to face we will have full understanding of His plans.  Time is meaningless and futile - but God has a plan and it is glorious indeed...and perfect...we should understand in the futility that God loves us, saves us, never leaves or forsakes us, and provides mercies that are new every morning and never cease (Lamentations 3:22-23)...and more!

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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 - revealing Yourself and speaking to me, lighting my path - thank You Jesus!  Without You I would be lost and damned.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such 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 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 You as their Lord and Savior.  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.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven[.]

Ecclesiastes 3

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven[.] Ecclesiastes 3:1

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 3:1-9, which is the first division of Ecclesiastes 3 per the commentary.  The commentary broadly describes the futility of time in the sense that there is a cycle of life that we cannot predict, control, or step.  We are born, we die, there are good things that happen to us, and there are bad things that happen to us - we live in a fallen world so there will be pain and anguish.  Referencing vv5-6 the commentary discusses how this describes how relationships in our lives ebb and flow and people, outside of marriage and perhaps your most immediate family, come and go in our lives.  All of the activities described in vv2-9 have a role in our fallen world - this is the human experience. The commentary shares: "[t]he point of the poem is the inevitable sameness and monotony of life under the sun. We all go through these actions of birth, life, work, love, and then death. Nothing really changes for humanity. Meaninglessness in life and death in the end pervade our experience in this cursed world. Here today and gone tomorrow. This is just the way it is....The poem reveals the great absurdity of life because each activity cancels the other out. There are 14 pluses and 14 minuses, and that adds up to zero (Begg, “Eternity on My Mind”)! Every birth ends in death, every planted crop is pulled up, every building is eventually condemned, every celebration gives way to a funeral, and every peace gives way to another war. Nothing is gained."  The commentary for this division ends with the same conclusion we all should draw - that apart from a daily, personal and lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ we will suffer a frustrating and meaningless existence. 

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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, grace and compassion.  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 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.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven[.]

Ecclesiastes 3

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven[.] Ecclesiastes 3:1

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 3:1-9, which is the first division of Ecclesiastes 3 per the commentary.  So far in Ecclesiastes, Solomon shares how life is meaningless and futile without God, including pursuits such as wisdom/knowledge, work, wealth, and consumerism.  In Ecclesiastes 3, Solomon describes how time is meaningless and futile, how God is sovereign over "everything" (v1), and that "there is a season for everything."  The text this morning calls to mind Colossians 1:15-20, and John Piper's book Providence.  As John Piper puts it, humanity does not have "ultimate or decisive" self-determination.  This means that only God puts it in our heart to repent and believe in Him, or not of course.  At the same time, Piper also shares that even though we do not have this ultimate or decisive self-determination, we do have a free will and this freedom is described as the choices and behaviors (apart from election as only God does this) that comprise our days.  Let us not fall prey to the futility of time and chase things that provide only temporary pleasure (see also Ecclesiastes 2) - instead believers should recognize that we should focus on things eternal (see also 2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

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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!  Thank You for my salvation.  I am not deserving.  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 continues 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.

There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?

Ecclesiastes 2

There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

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 2:18-26, which includes both the third and fourth divisions of Ecclesiastes 2 per the commentary. The commentary highlights the folly of work apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.  We should avoid blind ambition to strive for wealth and worldly recognition, instead focusing on working for the Lord - see also Colossians 3:22-24.  The commentary shares: "Solomon will no longer live by the myth that hard work and well-earned wealth validate life (Garrett, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, 295). Workaholism kills many families in America. Many people are possessed by a restless ambition to achieve, and so they put business before everything else (Greidanus, Preaching Christ, 65)."  The commentary, highlighting v23, also shares how even when we are not working we are often consumed with anxiety-related to work: "You are never “off” or “home” from work. Your mind is constantly taken up with it. You clock out and come home, and you check your e-mails on your phone all night. You toss and turn while sleep evades you because you stress about the next work project. What futility!  Vv24-26, pivot from the vanity of work apart from God to how work focused on pleasing God provides the fulfillment and joy we all seek.  On this note, the commentary shares: "In the beginning God designed the world so that we would enjoy the material blessings He gave us as a means to worship Him. As we ate, drank, enjoyed our spouse, and enjoyed our work, it would cause us to thank God for His goodness. But human sin distorted that, so now we look to the created things for the satisfaction only God can give. Not only is this a rebellion against God, but also it renders our true enjoyment of these gifts impossible. We want more, more, more, and we are never happy. We think if we just had a little bit more, then we would be happy, but if we are not happy with what we have right now, then we will not be happy no matter how much we get or experience. More will not satisfy us; only God can.  Again, the problem is not the things in and of themselves but rather the value we place in them. They cannot truly deliver. So be satisfied in the Creator, and then you can rightly enjoy the created things He gives you. As Solomon says, apart from Him there is no enjoyment (2:25). Everything is meaningless without Jesus, but with Jesus we can enjoy everything."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of compassion for me - making me one of Your elect - truly a gift of amazing grace as I am not deserving.  Thank You Jesus but again I am not deserving as 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.

There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?

Ecclesiastes 2

There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

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 2:18-26, which includes both the third and fourth divisions of Ecclesiastes 2 per the commentary.  Here, without going into detail reviewing the commentary - a quick glance of the commentary reveals that these two divisions (vv18-23 and vv24-26) are titled Work is Meaningless and Contentment in God and His Gifts Is the Meaningful Life. In writing how work is meaningless (vanity) - Solomon shares how it is frustrating that he works hard his whole life, accumulating wealth, etc. only to leave it behind to children or for others to benefit.  This becomes more frustrating for Solomon as he writes how the recipients of these benefits will be unknown to him in terms of who they are and who they evolve to be.  Solomon also shares that work produces anxiety (v23) and we know that God does not want us to worry about anything (see Matthew 6:25-34).  Solomon then moves to God's role in work (vv24-26) and how working as a means to glorify God (we exist to glorify God in all that we do) brings true enjoyment and fulfillment. 

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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 - giving me work where I find fulfillment and where my hope is that I glorify You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless 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.  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.

For of the wise as of the fool there is no enduring remembrance, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. How the wise dies just like the fool!

Ecclesiastes 2

For of the wise as of the fool there is no enduring remembrance, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. How the wise dies just like the fool! Ecclesiastes 2:16

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 2:12-17, which is the second division of Ecclesiastes 2 per the commentary.  While there is some speculation to whom Solomon is addressing when he refers to his son in this text, a strong candidate is Rehoboam (see also starting 1 Kings 11, and 2 Chronicles 9). The commentary first describes how Solomon seeks to help his son avoid the mistakes and sin he made over the course of his life.  It then describes vv13-14 and the value of wisdom: "[w]isdom helps you navigate this world without stumbling because it allows you to see clearly the pitfalls, and it allows you to discern the right decision in each situation."  The commentary then shares how although wisdom has value, again apart from God there is no lasting value: "wisdom is better than foolishness, but the value is only relative, and it does not last. Why? Wisdom’s gain over folly is fleeting because both the wise and the fool share the same fate. Death is the great equalizer. That is Solomon’s point. What is the use in exerting all of this energy to be wise if this world is all there is and we all end up as worm food in the end? Why deny myself the seeming fun of the foolish life and work hard to be wise when we all end up the same? Death makes meaningless even trying to live the right kind of life in this world."  Additionally, much of humanity toils for value by striving for a "righteous" or "good" life but again Solomon shares how in the end in our fallen world it is futile - bad things happen to "righteous" and "good" people and vice-versa for less than righteous and good people.  We seek justice and judgement but Solomon once again points out how this, apart from God, is futile.   

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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 - freely giving me salvation and blessing me every day (without ceasing) new mercies.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such 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 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.

For of the wise as of the fool there is no enduring remembrance, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. How the wise dies just like the fool!

Ecclesiastes 2

For of the wise as of the fool there is no enduring remembrance, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. How the wise dies just like the fool! Ecclesiastes 2:16

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 2:12-17, which is the second division of Ecclesiastes 2 per the commentary. In this text, Solomon describes his pursuit of wisdom, which, just like his pursuit of pleasure in vv1-11, ends in a feeling of vanity and futility. I have fallen prey to both the pursuits of pleasure and wisdom, and while both are not sinful in and of themselves, the pursuit of both apart from God become an idol, which of course is sinful.  I am drawn this morning to another of Solomon's writings from the Bible - of course as is true of anything in the Bible being divinely inspired - Proverbs 1:7:

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

From the very beginning - humanity was made by God and in His image (see Genesis 1). Isaiah writes to comfort the southern kingdom of Judah as he shares a prophecy of its fall and captivity.  Isaiah wants to remind the inhabitants of Judah that they - as does all of humanity - exist to glorify God:

Your people shall all be righteous; they shall possess the land forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I might be glorified. Isaiah 60:21

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are that love and save Your elect while still hostile to You and only out of Your amazing grace - not because any one of us is deserving in the least bit.  Thank You Jesus for making me one of Your elect - I know I am not deserving.  Thank You for Your grace.  But again I am not deserving.  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.

Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 2

Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun. Ecclesiastes 2:11

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 2:1-11, which is the first division of Ecclesiastes 2 per the commentary.  The commentary describes this division with the title: Pleasure Is Meaningless.  It continues by sharing how Solomon in chapter 1 finds no meaning in his life (apart from God - see also Ecclesiastes 12) but then says to himself that he should "lighten up" and pursue pleasure perhaps as a way to distract himself from an empty existence to leads to pain and disappointment. Right way in 2:1 Solomon points out how pleasure as vanity - he then goes into details about what he pursued (see also post yesterday).  As the commentary for this text winds down it shares: "Solomon concludes his search for pleasure by saying he denied himself nothing (2:10)....It led to nothing but brokenness. Incidentally, much of what he detailed is a violation of the kingly laws in Deuteronomy 17 and ultimately cost Solomon’s son the kingdom....Solomon lovingly warns us that indulging in whatever feels good is dangerous. You may get all you ever wanted, but you will not want it when you get it. It will not satisfy. God loves you, and He knows indulging under the sun leads to brokenness. Pleasure is not bad, but because of the fall, it cannot be our final guide. It cannot be ultimate. Pleasure is a good thing that if turned into a god thing becomes an enslaving thing."  Turn to God - the Living Water that truly satisfies!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You truly satisfy!  You are the Living Water whose mercies are new every morning and that never cease - thank You Jesus for these blessings and of course for my salvation - I am not deserving of such 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 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. 
 

Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 2

Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun. Ecclesiastes 2:11

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 2:1-11, which is the first division of Ecclesiastes 2 per the commentary.  Building on my posts to date on Ecclesiastes, where the key theme has been how apart from God we have no fulfillment, meaning or purpose, and in the end, most importantly, we are eternally damned without God.  Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 is an incredible set of verses authored (of course divinely-inspired) by someone who had access to every conceivable pleasure and did not deny himself any of these pleasures. Solomon writes how he found such pursuits vanity (v1) - including laughter (v2), houses (v4), wine (v3-4), gardens/parks (v5), pools (v6), slaves (v7), herds and flocks (v7), silver and gold (v8), singers (v8), and concubines (v8).  Solomon also shares how he retained wisdom and "became great and surpassed all who were before [him] in Jerusalem" (v9) - he had it all (v10). Yet this did not produce the fulfillment he thought it would produce.  On the other hand, for those of us who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior we have a joy and peace that some may never know nor understand.  Please seek God!  God please use me to bring others to You!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of love and compassion for me - making me one of Your children and one of Your elect - seeing me as perfect in Your eyes, justifying me such that I am not condemned but saved for eternity.  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 such 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.

My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

Ecclesiastes 12

My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:12-13

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 12:8-14.  The commentary describes use of "goads" and "one Shepherd" from v11: "[a] goad is a herding tool used to poke and prod livestock in the right direction. The author compares the words of Ecclesiastes with this cattle prod because metaphorically the words of the sage are meant to sting and convict, and thus they move the reader in the right direction of walking in wisdom. The ultimate Author of Ecclesiastes—the Spirit of God—uses the words of the book to convict the human heart of its need for Jesus. These words are given by 'one Shepherd'[.]"  The commentary then shares how this name - single shepherd for Jesus - is only used three times in the Bible, and how Ecclesiastes is a messianic book in how it points to Jesus; we are referred to these three other places in the Bible: Ezekiel 34:23-24, 37:24-25, and John 10:11-16. The commentary also emphasizes how Solomon is writing to his own son and how parents, especially fathers are called by God in a special role to shepherd the hearts of their children. The commentary for the text concludes by Solomon ultimately seeks to direct our hearts to Jesus: "[w]e will face judgment, and the bad news is that we have fallen short. This reality is meant to crush us in order to drive us to Christ. That is the good news: Jesus lived the life we could not live, a life without sin in perfect obedience to the commandments, and He died the death we deserved to die. He took the entire curse of sin and futility and death on Himself in order to redeem us from the curse (Galatians 3:13)."  Thank You Jesus!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who died on the cross so that I could have life now to the full and life in eternity with You in Heaven!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of these 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 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.

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Ecclesiastes 12

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 1:13-14

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 12:8-14, which is the third division of Ecclesiastes chapter 1 per the commentary - as the commentary shares that "Ecclesiastes cannot be rightly understood without the conclusion." In the concluding verses of Ecclesiastes, Solomon starts with "all is vanity[,]" once again pointing to the meaningless of all activity, wisdom, and knowledge apart from God.  The final verses of  Ecclesiastes, indeed, as the commentary shares, describe how Solomon, a man of great wisdom and intelligence, searches high and low for the meaning of life (including over the course of his own life) and ultimately concludes that the whole duty of man is to "[f]ear God and keep his commandments[, as...] God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil." Indeed, we exist solely to glorify God and we must also be certain to be holy as He is holy as we will all be judged according to what we have done and most importantly whether we trusted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion - thank You Jesus for Your mercies that are new every morning and that never cease.  I am not deserving of such 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 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.

And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind. For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

Ecclesiastes 1

And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind. For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow. Ecclesiastes 1:17-18

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 1:12-18, which is the second division of Ecclesiastes chapter 1 per the commentary. The commentary emphasizes a key point Solomon indirectly touches on in this division.  Solomon has done and seen it all in his life and he sees futility.  For believers we may get this feeling of futility with our faith as the commentary shares: "[s]ome think walking with God means things will go well in this life, and then the crisis comes. We get cancer at a young age, lose a job, or face some kind of hardship. We have to understand the reality of life in a cursed, fallen world. Walking with God does not mean everything will come up roses. Things do not always work out immediately as they should....When humanity departed from God’s design, God imposed a curse on the world (Genesis 3, Romans 8). Therefore, everything is broken in our world and in our lives. We try to find ways out of the brokenness but only end up more broken and frustrated. We turn to possessions and pleasurable experiences and status and relationships and even to religion trying to fix what is broken, but it is futile. No amount of pleasurable experiences, job success, or religious ritual can fix what is broken. As we will see, this reality is part of God’s goodness in our lives. He imposed the futility in hope that we would long for and hope in Him!" The commentary concludes with the following: "the Holy Spirit inspired Ecclesiastes to convict you of your own meaninglessness in your current existence in order to “make you wise for salvation through Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). Romans 8 tells us we are groaning for rescue right along with this frustrated creation! That’s exactly what we are directed toward in the conclusion of Ecclesiastes." Satisfy this frustration with Jesus Christ!

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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 - welcoming me back when I go astray into sin - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God who loves and saves!  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 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 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.