2019 Mar 18 Ecclesiastes 1, Colossians 2
2019 Mar 18 Ecclesiastes 1, Colossians 2
Another hearty hello, wishing you well this day! Having concluded Proverbs 18, let’s sub a consideration of Ecclesiastes 1:9-11:
“9 What has been is what will be, And what has been done will be done again; There is nothing new under the sun. 10 Is there anything of which one may say, “Look at this—it is new”? It already existed from long ago; It already existed before our time. 11 No one remembers people of former times; Nor will anyone remember those who come later; Nor will they be remembered by those who come still later.”
Eccle 1:9-11 In looking at these verses, we may be considerate of Solomon’s writing, thousands of years ago, long before the advent of the kind of technology that has come into existence, still by God’s creative hand. Outside of such advancements, life is still largely the same as regards social dealings and ways. Peoples, societies have come and gone over time, disintegrating or being absorbed into other peoples. This has taken place for at least thousands of years. Sometimes Solomon seems to write in Ecclesiastes from a vantage point of mere human perspective, the way life is if God is left out. For instance, his declaration that “Everything is vanity!” How true that is without God! But worshippers of the true God find great delight in living and honoring Him! Without Jehovah’s assistance, what a dismal future would await mankind. Even today, despite great technological advancements, man is still “ruining the earth” as God has foretold, in ways never considered possible thousands of years ago (Revel 11:18). It would appear that the entire human race would vanish. Is it possible that other human peoples have come and gone through ancient times past? Regardless, however, Jehovah created and lovingly cares for the human family now on this planet, giving us the reliable guidance of His word to protect and safeguard the spirit of man, and we are living during “the last days” of Bible prophecy, nearing the time for God’s more earnest intervention in man’s affairs to bring about a truly peaceful, righteous new world. (2TImo 3:1-5; 2Pete 3:13). This new world is to be ruled by a government that will never pass away, God’s Kingdom, ruled by Christ, with all meek, righteous humanity eventually being placed in God’s direct loving care for an eternity of happiness. (Daniel 2:44; Matth 5:5; 1Cori 15:28). May we be moved to appreciate looking at life from God’s perspective, including Him in all things, as our loving Father and Friend. (Ephes 5:20).
Colossians 2:4-7 After mentioning the wisdom of the Christ, Paul explains he says this to protect Jesus’ followers from being deluded by philosophers or the like, with teachings contrary to God’s reliable word. Rather, by giving careful attention to the words of Jesus, true Christians can become stabilized in the faith, built on a sure foundation, not quickly shaken from their reason regarding their understanding of how to serve God properly. Notice Paul’s words:
“4 I am saying this so that no one may delude you with persuasive arguments. 5 Though I am absent in body, I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. 6 Therefore, just as you have accepted Christ Jesus the Lord, go on walking in union with him, 7 being rooted and built up in him and being stabilized in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with thanksgiving.”
Recall how Jesus began the conclusion of his Sermon on the Mount, regarding those obeying his teachings: “24 “Therefore, everyone who hears these sayings of mine and does them will be like a discreet man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain poured down and the floods came and the winds blew and lashed against that house, but it did not cave in, for it had been founded on the rock.” May we likewise trust God’s guidance through His son, appreciating Christian teachings as contributing to God’s purpose of a truly peaceful, righteous new world of happiness for humankind!
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Between Winchester, Virginia, and hopefully, Washington D.C., having confidence that our thankful trust in God will not fail to inspire us to the peace He has purposed via His Kingdom!
