Ecclesiastes 7-9; Psalm 46; 2 Timothy 3
Ecclesiastes 7-9
Solomon's infatuation with numerous pagan women led him not only to allow idolatry but even to participate in it. Gradually, he fell under the influence of their godless worldview. The result of this is described in the book of Ecclesiastes. Periodically, Solomon looks at what is happening in the world from the perspective of materialism, rejecting eternity and judgment. Sometimes, these are short lapses, as in "In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these: the righteous perishing in their righteousness, and the wicked living long in their wickedness." (Ecclesiastes 7:15) where it seems to him that righteousness is pointless. Sometimes, these are prolonged valleys of doubt, similar to Ecclesiastes 9:2-7.
However, as in the book, these periods of doubt are followed by enlightenment and a return to God, to His assessments of reality.
- "When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future." (Ecclesiastes 7:14)
- "This only have I found: God created mankind upright, but they have gone in search of many schemes." (Ecclesiastes 7:29)
- "Although a wicked person who commits a hundred crimes may live a long time, I know that it will go better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him." (Ecclesiastes 8:12)
Additionally, Solomon acknowledges the primary source of his problems: "I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner she will ensnare." (Ecclesiastes 7:26) It seems he is describing his own bitter experience.
By including the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible, the Holy Spirit shows the reality of life for many believers. Doubts may arise, but they always return to faith in God.
Psalm 46
God is the only source of strength we can rely on: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea." (Psalm 46:1-2). To remind us of this, the authors of the Psalm call us: "Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth." (Psalm 46:8). "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10)
2 Timothy 3
Christians need not fear even the most difficult times. Two factors play a crucial role in our ability to resist the evil of the last days:
- Discipleship - a heartfelt spiritual connection with more experienced believers (2 Timothy 3:10-14).
- Deep practical immersion in Scripture can equip us for "every good work" (2 Timothy 3:15-17).
Solomon's infatuation with numerous pagan women led him not only to allow idolatry but even to participate in it. Gradually, he fell under the influence of their godless worldview. The result of this is described in the book of Ecclesiastes. Periodically, Solomon looks at what is happening in the world from the perspective of materialism, rejecting eternity and judgment. Sometimes, these are short lapses, as in "In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these: the righteous perishing in their righteousness, and the wicked living long in their wickedness." (Ecclesiastes 7:15) where it seems to him that righteousness is pointless. Sometimes, these are prolonged valleys of doubt, similar to Ecclesiastes 9:2-7.
However, as in the book, these periods of doubt are followed by enlightenment and a return to God, to His assessments of reality.
- "When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future." (Ecclesiastes 7:14)
- "This only have I found: God created mankind upright, but they have gone in search of many schemes." (Ecclesiastes 7:29)
- "Although a wicked person who commits a hundred crimes may live a long time, I know that it will go better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him." (Ecclesiastes 8:12)
Additionally, Solomon acknowledges the primary source of his problems: "I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner she will ensnare." (Ecclesiastes 7:26) It seems he is describing his own bitter experience.
By including the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible, the Holy Spirit shows the reality of life for many believers. Doubts may arise, but they always return to faith in God.
Psalm 46
God is the only source of strength we can rely on: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea." (Psalm 46:1-2). To remind us of this, the authors of the Psalm call us: "Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth." (Psalm 46:8). "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10)
2 Timothy 3
Christians need not fear even the most difficult times. Two factors play a crucial role in our ability to resist the evil of the last days:
- Discipleship - a heartfelt spiritual connection with more experienced believers (2 Timothy 3:10-14).
- Deep practical immersion in Scripture can equip us for "every good work" (2 Timothy 3:15-17).
Posted in Reading Bible Together