July 12 and 13, 2014 (Happy 84th birthday to Mom on the 13th!)
The Song of Solomon
All right, I’m blushing already, and we haven’t even begun to talk about it!
The truth is: Solomon’s Song is for mature audiences. You will find poetic, but explicit, descriptions of physical romance within the context of engagement and marriage. Its presence in the Bible is God’s way of blessing sexuality; God is saying that it is as appropriate for a betrothed couple to anticipate the joys of their upcoming physical relationship, as it is for a married couple to enjoy it.
There is a cynical question that comes to the minds of many readers: Which of Solomon’s 700 wives was this song written for? I can’t answer that one.
Many translations write out the Song of Songs as a piece of drama, identifying, as best as they can, who is speaking when. Bible scholars have discerned this cast of characters: She (the bride), He (the groom), and others (the bride’s attendants).
So, aside from lessons concerning the blessed, God-given nature of sexuality, what does the Song of Songs have to offer? Here’s my answer: Everywhere that the Bible speaks of marriage, we learn something about the relationship between Christ and the Church (See Ephesians 5). That is why, unlike like some Bible people, I am perfectly fine with using some of the imagery in this wonderful book to understand better our relationship with Jesus! Here are two examples:
As the bride addresses the groom, I believe that we can address Jesus as our “Rose of Sharon” and our “Lily of the Valley” (2:1).
As the bride anticipates the presence of her beloved, so we may anticipate and rejoice in the presence of Jesus (2:8, 16; 6:3; 7:11; 8:14).
Ah, the blog of blushing is over!
Monday, we take leave of the poetic books and enter the prophetic!
Your fellow pilgrim through the Prophets,
Pastor Gary
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Friday, July 11, 2014
JULY 11 ECCLESIASTES 7-12
Ecclesiastes 7-12
Chapters 7-11 have a more Proverbs-like ring than the first chapters of Ecclesiastes. Nevertheless, Solomon continues to discuss the vain, questioning, wind-chasing side of life. How foolish life can be without God! “In my vain life I have seen everything,” Solomon says (7:15).
On the one hand, Solomon says, “I know that it will be well with those who fear God...” (8:12), and just a few verses later, he complains of a “vanity” here on earth: that bad things happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people (8:14). His answer? We humans cannot understand the works of God! (8:17)
Solomon discusses death (9:1-6), marriage (9:7-10), and happenstance (9:11-12). He follows it up with a challenge: “Wisdom is better than might” (9:16). In Ecclesiastes 10 and 11, he lists more proverbs to flesh out this wisdom; here’s a sampling:
One sinner destroys much good, and dead flies make perfume stink! (9:18-10:1)
The one, who digs a pit, falls into it! (10:8)
Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days! (11:1)
Then chapter 11 concludes a warning about judgment!
That brings us to a most wonderful piece of literature; Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 is a sobering, metaphorical reminder to youth of this fact: they will grow old. When you read it, savor the many homely pictures of old age, such as the pillars of the house trembling (legs), the grinders ceasing because they are few (teeth), those looking out the windows are dimmed (eyes), and the doors being shut (mind). The only help, the only answer for old age is the Lord. And don’t wait, Solomon says: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth!” Only this will carry us through the winding rugged paths of life.
Tomorrow, we find romance in the Song of Solomon, also called the Song of Songs!
Your fellow wisdom wanderer,
Pastor Gary
Chapters 7-11 have a more Proverbs-like ring than the first chapters of Ecclesiastes. Nevertheless, Solomon continues to discuss the vain, questioning, wind-chasing side of life. How foolish life can be without God! “In my vain life I have seen everything,” Solomon says (7:15).
On the one hand, Solomon says, “I know that it will be well with those who fear God...” (8:12), and just a few verses later, he complains of a “vanity” here on earth: that bad things happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people (8:14). His answer? We humans cannot understand the works of God! (8:17)
Solomon discusses death (9:1-6), marriage (9:7-10), and happenstance (9:11-12). He follows it up with a challenge: “Wisdom is better than might” (9:16). In Ecclesiastes 10 and 11, he lists more proverbs to flesh out this wisdom; here’s a sampling:
One sinner destroys much good, and dead flies make perfume stink! (9:18-10:1)
The one, who digs a pit, falls into it! (10:8)
Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days! (11:1)
Then chapter 11 concludes a warning about judgment!
That brings us to a most wonderful piece of literature; Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 is a sobering, metaphorical reminder to youth of this fact: they will grow old. When you read it, savor the many homely pictures of old age, such as the pillars of the house trembling (legs), the grinders ceasing because they are few (teeth), those looking out the windows are dimmed (eyes), and the doors being shut (mind). The only help, the only answer for old age is the Lord. And don’t wait, Solomon says: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth!” Only this will carry us through the winding rugged paths of life.
Tomorrow, we find romance in the Song of Solomon, also called the Song of Songs!
Your fellow wisdom wanderer,
Pastor Gary
Thursday, July 10, 2014
JULY 10 ECCLESIASTES 1-6
Ecclesiastes 1-6
First, I want to register a complaint. Ecclesiastes is a difficult, but fascinating and rewarding book in the Bible; I cannot believe that they (Who are they, anyway?) are rushing us through it in just TWO DAYS! Its truths take time to sink in.
Oh well!
The traditional view is that Solomon wrote this book; if he didn’t, he certainly influenced its content. The first two chapters sound so autobiographical that I will just assume Solomon wrote it. There he recounts his several significant attempts at finding meaning in life. He pursued wisdom and knowledge; pleasure and self-indulgence; great building projects; a multitude of possessions; and the joy of the arts. None of it did he find fully satisfying; it was little more than “chasing the wind.” (1:14, 17; 2:11, 17, 26)
What’s Solomon’s verdict? “There is nothing better for a person that to eat, drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, [he] saw, is from the hand of God.” (2:24) Solomon is saying: “Do everything in its time (3:1-8); just don’t forget that it’s all from the Lord!” My favorite verse in this section is Ecclesiastes 3:11:
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.
Also, he has put eternity into the human heart,
Yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
Apart from God, Solomon says, we’re nothing but dust (3:20), and life is meaningless. Even the famous “Two are better than one” passage in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, used so often in weddings, concludes with a hint that even two are not enough: “A three-strand cord is not easily broken.” As I told Greg and Emily Hickey at their recent wedding: “Their 3rd Cord is the Lord!”
Many of the themes of Ecclesiastes1-3 are revisited in 4-6, but I always take note of two warnings in chapters 5 and 6, warnings people have issued to us preachers for centuries:
The more words, the more vanity... (Ecclesiastes 6:11)
Therefore, let your words be few. (Ecclesiastes 5:2)
If I had a nickel for every time I’ve been reminded of these truths...
I better stop talking. Tomorrow, we finish Ecclesiastes!
Your fellow wisdom wanderer,
Pastor Gary
First, I want to register a complaint. Ecclesiastes is a difficult, but fascinating and rewarding book in the Bible; I cannot believe that they (Who are they, anyway?) are rushing us through it in just TWO DAYS! Its truths take time to sink in.
Oh well!
The traditional view is that Solomon wrote this book; if he didn’t, he certainly influenced its content. The first two chapters sound so autobiographical that I will just assume Solomon wrote it. There he recounts his several significant attempts at finding meaning in life. He pursued wisdom and knowledge; pleasure and self-indulgence; great building projects; a multitude of possessions; and the joy of the arts. None of it did he find fully satisfying; it was little more than “chasing the wind.” (1:14, 17; 2:11, 17, 26)
What’s Solomon’s verdict? “There is nothing better for a person that to eat, drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, [he] saw, is from the hand of God.” (2:24) Solomon is saying: “Do everything in its time (3:1-8); just don’t forget that it’s all from the Lord!” My favorite verse in this section is Ecclesiastes 3:11:
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.
Also, he has put eternity into the human heart,
Yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
Apart from God, Solomon says, we’re nothing but dust (3:20), and life is meaningless. Even the famous “Two are better than one” passage in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, used so often in weddings, concludes with a hint that even two are not enough: “A three-strand cord is not easily broken.” As I told Greg and Emily Hickey at their recent wedding: “Their 3rd Cord is the Lord!”
Many of the themes of Ecclesiastes1-3 are revisited in 4-6, but I always take note of two warnings in chapters 5 and 6, warnings people have issued to us preachers for centuries:
The more words, the more vanity... (Ecclesiastes 6:11)
Therefore, let your words be few. (Ecclesiastes 5:2)
If I had a nickel for every time I’ve been reminded of these truths...
I better stop talking. Tomorrow, we finish Ecclesiastes!
Your fellow wisdom wanderer,
Pastor Gary
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
JULY 9 PROVERBS 30-31
Proverbs 30-31
These last chapters of Proverbs are attributed to two very unknown and probably non-Jewish people: Agur and King Lemuel. Actually, King Lemuel’s words are attributed to his mom! These chapters are proof that God’s wisdom was NOT restricted to Israel. Have you ever read any of Lao-Tzu’s words? Tao-ism is based on his brief writings, many of which have a Jesus-like ring to them! God’s truth is not limited to Scripture, but it is to be evaluated by Scripture.
Agur’s words (Proverbs 30) are described as an oracle, that is, words from God! In v. 5, he provides one of the Bible’s great testimonies to itself: “Every word of God is flawless...” He begins with humility, “I am the most ignorant of men,” (30:2) and continues with words that make us think he had read the book of Job. I very much enjoy his use of lists; he’s says, “two things I ask of you, O Lord...” (30:7), “three things that are never satisfied...” (30:15), “four things on earth that are small...but wise,” (30:24). Which is your favorite list?
Lemuel’s Mom’s words (Proverbs 31) are an example of motherly advice: “Don’t get wound up with women (31:3) and alcohol (31:4-7); and don’t forget the powerless.” Proverbs 31:10-31 is the famous “Who can find a wife of noble character?” section. It forms an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet (similar to some of the psalms). I wonder if Lemuel’s mom wrote this, too. Wouldn’t be just like a mom to be concerned for the character of her son’s future spouse? I think so. So, what kind of girl should Lemuel look for?
- A woman of character! (31:10)
- Who inspires confidence! (31:11-12; 27-29)
- Who works diligently! (31:14-24)
- Who cares for the poor! (31:20) and
- Especially her family! (31:21-23)
- Who does not fear the future! (31:25)
- Who speaks wisdom! (31:26)
- Who fears the Lord! (31:30) and
- Who will receive praise and honor! (31:32)
Lord God, thank You for the words of the wise, which You have preserved for us in Proverbs! In Christ’s Name, AMEN.
Tomorrow, we begin Ecclesiastes!
Your fellow wisdom wanderer,
Pastor Gary
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
JULY 8 PROVERBS 25-29
Proverbs 25-29
After some of Solomon’s collected “words of the wise,” we find more of Solomon’s own proverbs, which were researched and collected by the wise men of Hezekiah’s reign.
After some of Solomon’s collected “words of the wise,” we find more of Solomon’s own proverbs, which were researched and collected by the wise men of Hezekiah’s reign.
Here is just a sampling of themes from these five chapters:
Advice for Future Kings! This section begins with several wise sayings that keep kings humble before God (25:2) and others humble before kings (25:3-7).
Moderation! Scattered through these chapters (and elsewhere in Proverbs) are gentle, persistent reminders NOT to overdo it when it comes to eating (25:16), visiting (25:17), singing songs (25:20), and talking (27:14-15). Help me, Lord!
Humility! Given my life verse, “God opposes the proud, but give graces to the Humble (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5; Proverbs 3:34; see Proverbs 29:23, too!), it is easy for me to see this lesson repeated throughout the Bible. Proverbs 26:1-12 demonstrates the critical importance of this truth. For the first 11 verses of the chapter, “fools” are condemned, ridiculed and sternly warned. Then, in verse 12, Solomon throws us a zinger: “Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him!” Pride is a far more dangerous problem than foolishness! Here are some more truths concerning pride and humility:
- Moderation produces humility! (25:27)
- Laziness produces pride! (26:16)
- Humility doesn’t presume upon tomorrow (27:1)
- Praise tests one’s pride quotient! (27:21)
- Good friends defeat pride and encourage humility (27:5-6, 17).
Laziness! This theme pops up again and again. Read Proverbs 26:13-16 for a few laughs!
Integrity! For those of you that knew Dale Rithaler, see if these verses on integrity don’t fit his life well: “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.” (Proverbs 28:6) “A faithful man will abound with blessings...” (Proverbs 28:20).
Lord God, keep us humble before You, that we might know Your grace more fully each day! Amen and amen.
Tomorrow, the Proverbs of Agur and Lemuel!
Your fellow Bible trekker,
Pastor Gary
Monday, July 7, 2014
JULY 7 PROVERBS 22-24
Proverbs 22-24
Here are some of my highlights from these three chapters in Proverbs, which, after Proverbs 22:17, seem to be the collected words of the wise, and not just Solomon’s.
Child Rearing! Along with the most famous of all parenting proverbs, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it,” we have two warnings to parents not to withhold discipline (Proverbs 22:15; 23:13). As we noticed early on in Proverbs, the whole book is a kind of handbook on parenting. In Proverbs 23:19-25 we can hear the urgent concerns of the parents.
Financial Peace! Two of Dave Ramsey’s most important tenets are represented here. On indebtedness: “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7) On co-signing: “Be not one of those who...puts up security for debts.” (Proverbs 22:26)
Drunkenness! An extended passage at the end of Proverbs 23 (vv. 29-35) provides a memorable picture of the effects of “tarrying long over wine.” Read it, and you’ll find encouragement toward temperance.
Perseverance! One of my favorite “Never Give Up” verses in scripture is Proverbs 24:16, “The righteous falls seven times and rises again!” Some fall and want to quit; not so the righteous. In Christ, we can rise again!
Laziness! Not unlike the “story-verb” at the end of Proverbs 23 on drunkenness, is another at the end of Proverbs 24. This one is about a sluggard, “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.” (Proverbs 24:23-24)
Lord God, let these words of wisdom bear fruit in our lives. We don’t want to read them, and not be changed by them. We commit our child rearing, our finances, our moderation, our perseverance and our work-ethic to You. In Christ’s name we pray, AMEN.
Tomorrow, more Proverbs of Solomon!
Your fellow traveler through the Word,
Pastor Gary
Here are some of my highlights from these three chapters in Proverbs, which, after Proverbs 22:17, seem to be the collected words of the wise, and not just Solomon’s.
Child Rearing! Along with the most famous of all parenting proverbs, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it,” we have two warnings to parents not to withhold discipline (Proverbs 22:15; 23:13). As we noticed early on in Proverbs, the whole book is a kind of handbook on parenting. In Proverbs 23:19-25 we can hear the urgent concerns of the parents.
Financial Peace! Two of Dave Ramsey’s most important tenets are represented here. On indebtedness: “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7) On co-signing: “Be not one of those who...puts up security for debts.” (Proverbs 22:26)
Drunkenness! An extended passage at the end of Proverbs 23 (vv. 29-35) provides a memorable picture of the effects of “tarrying long over wine.” Read it, and you’ll find encouragement toward temperance.
Perseverance! One of my favorite “Never Give Up” verses in scripture is Proverbs 24:16, “The righteous falls seven times and rises again!” Some fall and want to quit; not so the righteous. In Christ, we can rise again!
Laziness! Not unlike the “story-verb” at the end of Proverbs 23 on drunkenness, is another at the end of Proverbs 24. This one is about a sluggard, “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.” (Proverbs 24:23-24)
Lord God, let these words of wisdom bear fruit in our lives. We don’t want to read them, and not be changed by them. We commit our child rearing, our finances, our moderation, our perseverance and our work-ethic to You. In Christ’s name we pray, AMEN.
Tomorrow, more Proverbs of Solomon!
Your fellow traveler through the Word,
Pastor Gary
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