A letter to the editor recently about the
current state of affairs. It contained this paragraph, “all of this is reflected
in our elected public officials who regard us as a bunch of nincompoops without
a memory”. (Chronicle l0/8/13 pg. B13)
The writer sounds a bit like Solomon when he begins his
journal on life with “Vanity, vanity, everything is vanity” Eccl. 1,1. He is speaking
of “life under the son”, meaning a life that is lived without acknowledging God
at all. Such a life brings frustration, meaninglessness, and pain.
In these chapters, now and then Solomon offers insights that affect our own journey. One of these sections starts with chapter 5, where Solomon moves from secular to religious. Look at it like opening a Book for our reading. When we unfold its truths, it is surprising what sort of truths (and sometimes stinging) things come out. Just really think about the first line of chapter 5. “Watch your step when you go into God’s temple, draw near to listen rather than give the sacrifice of fools.” 5,1.
In these chapters, now and then Solomon offers insights that affect our own journey. One of these sections starts with chapter 5, where Solomon moves from secular to religious. Look at it like opening a Book for our reading. When we unfold its truths, it is surprising what sort of truths (and sometimes stinging) things come out. Just really think about the first line of chapter 5. “Watch your step when you go into God’s temple, draw near to listen rather than give the sacrifice of fools.” 5,1.
Do we? I mean remember that we are trying to leave the
noise and turmoil of daily living, and are stepping into the presence of our
Holy God, ready to hear truths from Him to strengthen our daily walk in Christ.
So enter His House “ready to listen”. Leave everything else outside, and listen to the Word of God, meant to strengthen and delight you, Christ’s child and His “Light of the world”.
So enter His House “ready to listen”. Leave everything else outside, and listen to the Word of God, meant to strengthen and delight you, Christ’s child and His “Light of the world”.
Solomon goes on. “Don’t be in a hurry
to talk. You shouldn't be quick with words, because God is in heaven and you’re
on the earth.” V.2. So be still and listen to God’s Word. Someone said of this,
“Don’t daydream”. We tend to use worship time to wrestle with problems that nag
us, or just drift away from the thoughts being expressed.
Then, “When you make a vow to God, do not be late
in paying it, for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better
that you should not vow than to vow and not pay.” 5,4-5 These words are
overlooked in these days of shallow roots and superficial commitments. What
commitment have you broken lately?
GPD 10/9/13
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