Ecclesiastes 1-3; Psalm 45; 2 Timothy 1
The Book of Ecclesiastes is Solomon's analytical autobiography, describing his wanderings in his later years. It presents both sound assessments and erroneous conclusions that Solomon reached during moments of spiritual blindness and estrangement from God.
The book's main idea is that everything is vain and meaningless without God. Solomon's wanderings find resolution in the final words of the book: "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind." (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
In the first three chapters, Solomon writes that as a wealthy and successful king, he had every opportunity to try everything and attempt to find meaning in it. He possessed significant wisdom and experimented with folly (Ecclesiastes 2:3). He tried to find meaning in building palaces, gardens, wealth, art, fame, and renown: "Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 2:11)
Although he sees the advantages of wisdom if eternity is rejected, there is no difference between the wise and the foolish; both will die.
At the same time, he recognizes that the very ability to experience enjoyment indicates God's presence: "For without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?" (Ecclesiastes 2:25)
Another moment of enlightenment: "I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him." (Ecclesiastes 3:14). Immediately after, he describes another deep doubt: "Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; humans have no advantage over animals. Everything is meaningless." (Ecclesiastes 3:19)
Psalm 45
This is one of the most vivid Messianic psalms. It speaks of Christ as the perfect man, the God-man: "You are the most excellent of men, and your lips have been anointed with grace since God has blessed you forever." (Psalm 45:2)
It then speaks of the Messiah's rule in the millennial kingdom: "Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom." (Psalm 45:6)
Furthermore, it speaks of the Church, the Bride of the Messiah: "Your beauty enthralls the king; honor him, for he is your lord." (Psalm 45:11). "All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold." (Psalm 45:13)
2 Timothy 1
This is the last letter written by Paul. Imprisoned and understanding that his end is near, the apostle writes an emotional appeal to his closest friend and disciple, encouraging him to remain faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that the Gospel is the only means that gives us confidence and stability in Jesus Christ: "That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame because I know whom I have believed and am convinced he can guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. Keep what you heard from me as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 1:12-13)
From the pastor:
Submit a question for the program “The Bible Speaks” at the following link:
http://slovo.org/pisma
Grace Songs App
Here you will find songs with chords and sheet music.
Link for Apple: Grace Songs on Apple
Link for Android: Grace Songs on Android
The book's main idea is that everything is vain and meaningless without God. Solomon's wanderings find resolution in the final words of the book: "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind." (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
In the first three chapters, Solomon writes that as a wealthy and successful king, he had every opportunity to try everything and attempt to find meaning in it. He possessed significant wisdom and experimented with folly (Ecclesiastes 2:3). He tried to find meaning in building palaces, gardens, wealth, art, fame, and renown: "Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 2:11)
Although he sees the advantages of wisdom if eternity is rejected, there is no difference between the wise and the foolish; both will die.
At the same time, he recognizes that the very ability to experience enjoyment indicates God's presence: "For without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?" (Ecclesiastes 2:25)
Another moment of enlightenment: "I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him." (Ecclesiastes 3:14). Immediately after, he describes another deep doubt: "Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; humans have no advantage over animals. Everything is meaningless." (Ecclesiastes 3:19)
Psalm 45
This is one of the most vivid Messianic psalms. It speaks of Christ as the perfect man, the God-man: "You are the most excellent of men, and your lips have been anointed with grace since God has blessed you forever." (Psalm 45:2)
It then speaks of the Messiah's rule in the millennial kingdom: "Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom." (Psalm 45:6)
Furthermore, it speaks of the Church, the Bride of the Messiah: "Your beauty enthralls the king; honor him, for he is your lord." (Psalm 45:11). "All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold." (Psalm 45:13)
2 Timothy 1
This is the last letter written by Paul. Imprisoned and understanding that his end is near, the apostle writes an emotional appeal to his closest friend and disciple, encouraging him to remain faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that the Gospel is the only means that gives us confidence and stability in Jesus Christ: "That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame because I know whom I have believed and am convinced he can guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. Keep what you heard from me as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 1:12-13)
From the pastor:
Submit a question for the program “The Bible Speaks” at the following link:
http://slovo.org/pisma
Grace Songs App
Here you will find songs with chords and sheet music.
Link for Apple: Grace Songs on Apple
Link for Android: Grace Songs on Android
Posted in Reading Bible Together