Today's Reading - Ecclesiastes 1 & 2

In Pursuit of Vapor

The primary viewpoint of the Book of Ecclesiastes is that most people spend their lives, energy, and emotions on pursuing things that will ultimately prove to be meaningless (beauty, goodness, health, wealth, status, career, success, etc.). Solomon describes these pursuits as “vanity” or “meaningless.” The Hebrew word he uses is “hevel,” which literally means “vapor” or “smoke.” Pursuing these meaningless things is like “smoke” – they may appear as though they have substance, but when you try to grasp them, they quickly vanish. They are temporary and fleeting – like a vapor which appears for but a moment then disappears.

This being the case, Solomon proposes the key question of life: Why use your life, energy, and emotions in pursuit of  “hevel"? Why not rather pursue things with eternal value and substance? Here in chapter 2, he contrasts two of those “things” – wisdom and foolishness. He decided to compare wisdom (which he considers “light”) and foolishness (“darkness”). His observation was this: since every human being shares the same fate – all are headed for the same ending (death, the grave) – then doesn’t it make more sense to pursue those things which will survive beyond the grave?

He emphasizes that there is more to gain in wisdom than in folly. The word “wisdom” means to be sensible, judicious, clever, prudent, and shrewd. This word is often used of a skilled warrior in battle – one who is well equipped and carries out his battles with strategy and skillful tactics. In the same way, we must look at life as a battle for eternity. We must spend our lives, energy, and emotions on fighting this battle with skill and wisdom. There is eternal life to be gained by those who do so. There is nothing but “the grave” for those who don’t. He goes on to say that light is better than darkness for the wise can see where they are going, but fools just grope around in the dark.

Jesus shared this same viewpoint in Luke 12:20-21 where he asked this question about a man who had spent his life in pursuing an “abundance of possessions” – “This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be? So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

Throughout Ecclesiastes, Solomon struggles deeply with this question of meaningless vs meaningful pursuits and finally reaches this conclusion: “Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13) It is important to plan and prepare for your future in this life, but it is vastly more important to plan and prepare for your future in eternity.

 

Today's Reading - Proverbs 29

The Rod of Reproof

The Bible has much to say about parenting and raising children. Not the least of which is that parents have the solemn responsibility to raise their child in the ways of the Lord, teaching them His truth, and guiding their soul to eternal life. One of the greatest blessings a parent can receive is when they look at their child and see that they are walking with the Lord. As the Apostle John wrote, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in truth” (3 John 1:4).

One means of guiding our children into the ways of the Lord is to correct them and reprove them when they get off track. According to Proverbs 29:15, doing so gives them wisdom. There are nearly 40 verses in the Bible about the need to administer the “rod” when a child acts improperly or rebelliously. The literal understanding of this is to “spank” the child as the means of correction.

In our modern world, many reasons are given for not spanking a child. Most of those reasons assume that spanking is an act of anger or cruelty. Spanking, they say, is too harsh and abusive. They teach that discipline can be administered in various other ways such as reasoning with the child, giving them a “timeout,” or withholding some form of enjoyment (e.g. “screen time”). While these forms of correction do have their place, there are situations where it is not possible to reason with a child. In these situations, the Bible advises the rod of reproof as a means of correction and admonishment, especially when the child sets his/her will in direct defiance of the parent.

It is needful to balance these things with our children, and again, only the Lord can give the necessary wisdom. Some children have very tender consciences and are far more sensitive to reproof than others. They may need relatively few actual punishments. Others are born with strong wills and, when they are young, may need rather frequent visits from the “rod” to teach them.

Always keep in mind that any form of correction must always be done in love and with the motivation of guiding your child to be a happy and obedient follower of Christ. Discipline must never be done in anger or because you’ve “lost your temper.” And, most importantly, every visit from the “rod” must be followed immediately by genuine forgiveness by the parent and reconciliation with the child. One thing I love about God is, He will bring you out of situations you got yourself into; and still not hold it against you.

This is how God corrects us because He loves us. And, like Him, this is how we show love to our children.

 

Today's Reading - Proverbs 28 & Psalm 127

Let the Lord Build the House

Having recently completed the construction of the Lord’s “House” in Jerusalem (the Temple), it is fitting that Solomon would be the writer of the words found in Psalm 127.  His simple point is, that no matter how hard a man may work, if God's blessing is not upon him, it will all go for nothing.

The phrase “builds the house” can be understood in the literal sense, as in building a house to live in. In this usage, Solomon is telling us that God must be the one leading and guiding and orchestrating our building project. It is useless for us to work so hard from morning to night if He is not. In Solomon’s case, the usage of this phrase referred directly to his construction of the Lord’s house at Jerusalem. He had learned that the most important aspect of his project was God’s involvement and blessing.

This phrase could also be taken to mean one’s “dynasty” or family regime. In Solomon’s day, as kings would amass wealth and power to themselves, it was known as “building their house” (as in “building the house of Caesar”). The idea here being that it does no good to create such an “empire” if God isn’t the power undergirding it. In our modern day, we might use the term “dynasty” to refer to elite or influential athletes or athletics. Those who are team members and supporters are considered “in the house” of that particular team. Building this type of “house” will end up in vain as time passes and the glory fades.

The most important usage of the phrase “builds the house” refers to our lives – the way we live and move and interact and influence; the person we marry; the business we start; the family we raise; the clubs we join; the church we attend; the ministries we serve. We are told in the New Testament that Jesus is the “Master Builder” and that we are the “Temple” of the Holy Spirit. His calling is for us to let Him build our lives. You can try to build your own life, perhaps by philosophy or pop religion or self-help influences. Or perhaps by education or your career or your investment portfolio. But any “house” not built by God will ultimately fail.

This is a powerful reminder that anything we build (or attempt to build) without God’s involvement and blessing cannot endure. The house of those who build their life apart from God and His word and His Spirit will ultimately come to nothing. That life, although seemingly adequate for a moment, will finally end up “in vain.” We must not work so hard to build something that God has not led us to, and empowered us to, and is orchestrating for His glory and kingdom. For all else, the glory will fade. 

 

Today's Reading - Proverbs 27

Rebuke Equals Love

The word “rebuke” means to verbally reprimand. The Hebrew word can be translated as rebuke, correction, reproof, admonish, chastise. It carries the idea of pointing out a fault or failure in another person so that he/she becomes aware of it and can make a correction in their behavior. Rebuke is never intended to be condemning or judgmental. It is intended as an act of love.

Rebuking someone you love is tough medicine and no one really likes to do it. It is far easier for us to “let things slip” than to confront someone about an issue of their behavior. Nevertheless, today’s key verse tells us that true friends will show the inner love they have by being open and honest with each other – even when that openness calls for admonition or rebuke. On this matter, we can err to two extremes: excess-pleasantness and excess-harshness.

By nature, most of us are non-confrontational. We would rather keep our thoughts to ourself than to risk hostility and conflict with others. To keep a matter to yourself is the sin of excess-pleasantness. We are much more comfortable being pleasant and agreeable than we are being truly honest about another person’s faults. We must come to understand that excess-pleasantness in the face of sin is actually an indicator of a lack of love. If we truly love a person, we will recognize that our kind rebuke will bring improvement and growth to their life.

On the other hand, we also need to be careful of the sin of excess-harshness. This is where we take our duty to rebuke someone we love to the point of being hurtful or overly-critical.  Our observation about their behavior may be true enough, but if not shared with love and grace can result in hurt, hostility, and – worst of all – refusal of the other person to truly hear the message.  

So, don’t hide your love. Show it by your kind admonishment of your friend. If you shy from your duty to reprove and opt for pleasantries, they may never know that a correction must be made. If you exercise your duty too harshly, they may refuse the reproof.

Reproof given faithfully and plainly, with openness of heart, and without mincing the matter, or excusing the offense will result in winning your brother or sister and enabling them to grow in their walk with Christ. A true child of God will delight in the kindness you show to them by your rebuke. As the Psalmist wrote in Psalm 141:5, “Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it.” 

 

Today's Reading - Proverbs 26

 

Put Out The Fire

Here, Solomon uses wood and fire to teach a necessary lesson on the inflammatory nature of gossip and talebearing, as opposed to the harmony and peace that accompanies the pure words of a righteous man. God cares about the words that come out of your mouth.

Contention is like a fire; it heats the spirit, burns up all that is good, and puts families and societies into disharmony.  Gossip (“talebearing”) is the fuel that intensifies the contention – like throwing fuel on a fire. 1 Timothy 5:13 warns of those who “learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.”

Gossip can take many forms. Perhaps, simply by insinuating improper character of others. Or by revealing secrets, or by murmuring and complaining, or by misrepresenting words and actions. These “tales” can harm relationships, friends, neighbors, and society. Tell-tale chin-wagging does nothing but alienate people from one another and sow discord among them.

How sad when someone’s life is marred by incorrect or tasteless words.  For the Christian, their godly testimony can be severely stained by gossip and talebearing and false accusation. This is why it is so important that we choose our words so carefully. We are exhorted in Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” We must never be the whisperer who is fueling the fire of discord. Like David, our prayer should constantly be, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)

Keep in mind that God not only cares about the words that come out of your mouth, He also cares about the words that go into your ears. The “gossiper” and the “gossipee” are equally the agents of discord. It is not just the one who feeds the fire of contention with their hurtful whispers. Equally to blame is the one who listens to such whispering. “An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.” (Proverbs 17:4)

So, be the one who makes “the fire go out.” If someone begins to speak tasteless or improper words, cut them off. Refuse to listen to their gossip. And, never speak idle or hurtful words to others. Strife will as surely cease. Remember, without any fuel source, there is no fire.

Today's Reading - 2 Chronicles 8 & Proverbs 25

 

Like Vinegar on Soda

The Book of Proverbs advises its readers about making wise choices. It also advises us about not making unwise choices. Here in Proverbs 25:20 we are advised NOT to sing songs to someone with a heavy heart. In fact, we are cautioned about the absurdity of doing so. Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart is like taking someone’s coat in cold weather or pouring vinegar on soda.

Have you ever struggled with what to say or do for persons experiencing a difficult time such as illness, accident, job loss, divorce or death?  This proverb describes an all-too-human problem each of us faces from time to time. We want to reach out and help those who are hurting—but the words or actions we use may unintentionally add to their burden instead of easing their pain.

Instinctively, we want to cheer up those with heavy hearts. We may think that our cheerful songs will “rub off on them” and cheer them up. But this proverb tells us that signing happy songs to struggling people can often be cruel – as cruel as taking away their coat on a cold day. This makes them feel exposed, alone, misunderstood and unprotected. It can also be inflaming – like pouring vinegar on soda which leads to an eruption. When we try to make sad people happy, our efforts to cheer them up may seem heartless and could cause an emotional outburst.

When someone is trying to come to terms with loss, rushing the process is never helpful. People need space to grieve and to process what they’re facing. So, instead of singing happy songs to a heavy heart, try just sitting with them and just listening. Pray for them. Offer words of empathy and encouragement – reminding them that the Lord is with them in the fire (Isaiah 43:2). It is okay to remain quiet if the Lord doesn’t give you words to share. If your heavy-hearted friend speaks, let them do so without judging, interrupting, or correcting them. Let them share their thoughts and name their struggles.

Just sitting with your friend tells them you feel their pain and are willing to draw close to them in time of need.  It also reminds them that the Lord sees their pain and He will never leave them. And always pray for them – pray for God’s comfort and encouragement. Trust them to the Lord, and, in due time, He will turn their “mourning into joy” (Jeremiah 31:3).

Today's Reading: 1 Kings 9

Limitless Access to God

At the beginning of Solomon's reign, the Lord had appeared unto him while he was in Gibeon, there offering sacrifices unto God. And the Lord basically said to Solomon, "Ask me whatever you want." Solomon went on to ask for the divine wisdom to govern God’s people.

Now the Lord appears to Solomon “a second time.” What a blessing it is to know that access to God is not restricted to a one-time event. We can come to Him a second, third, fourth or fifth time. Actually, we can access Him for a limitless number of times. Our access to Him is perpetual and boundless. There are no membership fees or monthly access charges.

One of the key themes of the Bible is that of access to God. That access is depicted in different ways through the various parts of the Christian story but it all leads to an understanding that we can have personal, relational, and unlimited access to God. One of the distinctives of the Christian faith is that we don’t have to do anything to have full access to God except to come to Him through His Son, Jesus – “For through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.” (Ephesians 2:18)

We don’t have to say any particular prayers, we don’t have to earn any particular merit, we don’t have to perform any particular rituals, we don’t have to give any particular gifts to gain access to the very throne of God Himself. We aren’t on a waiting list. We aren’t required to have any particular dress code. We aren’t limited in our access to God because of what we have done. No, we can go with confidence and approach God for His help in our time of need.

Always keep this in mind – God WANTS to hear from you. “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers.” (Psalm 34:15) You can approach Him anytime day or night as often as you wish. He will not be perturbed by, or indifferent to, your requests. So, have boldness! Approach God’s throne! Do it with confidence! Do it now! “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)