St. Paul ends his letter to the Romans with various greetings, and then he says,
19 “For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.“ Romans 16,19. The word ‘simple’ means being innocent in doing evil, not doing it. So, when Christ dwells in the Christian, Christ teaches and directs that life in living, in making correct choices, in overcoming temptations to do the evil.
Life is filled with choices isn’t it? Not just what to wear for the day, but how to drive on our way to work or to shop for groceries or take the children to band practice. Also choices in the words we speak and the things we do. In short, how do we deal with the many temptations Satan throws at us daily? And it makes a difference. It really does. At the close of the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon, having explored every possible delight “under the Sun”, finally reaches this conclusion: “Fear God, and keep the commandments.” 12,13. So take God seriously, and then do what He says. Obey Him.
After this, one might think Solomon slammed his journal shut and said, “Well, that’s it. Now I’m going fishing.” But he knew his hearers would be asking, Why? Why should I revere God and respect and obey His truth. So he ends the book with one last statement, which explains his reason. “Because God will bring every deed into judgment, everything that is hidden, whether it is good or evil”. V.14.
Many would say, “I don’t believe that”. In the final analysis, what’s really more important, what you believe, or what God says. And remember, He’s never lied to mankind, ever. When He says that, even though I have no clue how He will do this, I know He will. In the final event, we will do business with Him who made us. Doesn’t it make sense that the One who gave us life would hold us accountable? And Solomon closes the Book of Ecclesiastes like that to remind us to live, not like a playboy who looks on God has a kindly grandfather who smiles at our actions, but as the Loving Father who sent us His Son, out of His great love for us, to save us from sin, death, and the devil.
There is the answer to how we can live so as to please Him. Jesus Christ, Who came, suffered, died, and rose again to save us from sin. He is “The Way, The Truth, and he life”. That is why this chapter begins, “Remember your Creator”. This same Lord teaches us, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved”. What a gift and blessing is this salvation for us.
GPD 1/28/09
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