Let us reverently hear and read Holy Scripture, which is the food of the soul.
– Thomas Cranmer
Tag: Bible
Reflections on Ecclesiastes 10-12
The writer continues to share wisdom, finally coming to his conclusion.
- Remember your Creator – We are to remember our Creator (12:1). We ought to enjoy the good days that God gives us, and live in the reverent fear of God who will judge us (11:9). If we begin this in our youth, it will help us later when days are tough. Are you living each day remembering your Creator? In what ways?
- Fear God and keep his commands – What is life all about? Apart from God, all is vanity (12:8). The conclusion is to fear God and keep his commands (12:13). Live your life in reference to God. In what ways are you doing this? This is the path of wisdom and satisfaction.
Revelation Quote
All heavenly beings find their significance in their placement around the throne, and all the earth’s inhabitants are judged on the basis of their attitude to God’s claim to rule over them from this throne.
– G.K. Beale on Revelation 4 in Revelation: A Shorter Commentary
Reflections on Ecclesiastes 7-9
The writer compares wisdom and folly.
- Listening – It is good to hear the rebuke of the wise (7:5). Yet we should not take to heart all that people say of us (7:21-22). When has a rebuke been helpful to you? What has a criticism hurt you? What is the difference between the two? How do you need to apply these verses today?
- Sin – God created us upright, but we have left wisdom to chase after many schemes (7:29). There are none who always do good and never sin (7:20). How do you see these truths in your life? Are you daily looking to Jesus for forgiveness?
Classic Quote
The Bible is alive, it speaks to me;
it has feet, it runs after me;
it has hands, it lays hold of me.
– Martin Luther
Reflections on Ecclesiastes 4-6
The writer continues his discussion of vanity and calls us to fear God.
- Fear God – Fearing God means we come before him to listen to him, rather than to make rash promises that we will not keep. Do you come into his presence on Sundays to listen? Are you prone to make rash promises?
- God’s gift of enjoyment – Again the writer reminds us that enjoyment of what God gives us comes from God (5:18-20). What are some reasons people might not enjoy what they have? Are any of these reasons true in your life? In what ways has God given you the ability to enjoy what you have?
Reflections on Ecclesiastes 1-3
The writer speaks of vanity, and the true source of enjoyment.
- Vanity – The writer sought wisdom and knowledge (1:16-18), pleasure (2:1-3), great works (2:4-6), and great possessions (2:7-8). Yet his conclusion is that in and of themselves, these things are meaningless, a striving after the wind (1:17-18, 2:11). In what ways are you seeking meaning and satisfaction in these areas?
- God’s gift of enjoyment – While work and food on their own cannot bring satisfaction, we can enjoy these things. This enjoyment comes from the hand of God as a gift to us (2:24-25, 3:13). How has God enabled you to find enjoyment in daily life?
Reflections on Proverbs 30-31
Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today? How should you respond?
- God’s Word – God’s Word is true. We can trust in it, find refuge in it. If we try to add to his Word or change it, we will be rebuked; our words are false (30:5-6). In what ways are you trusting in the truth of God’s Word? When are you tempted to try to adjust his Word to fit your desires?
- Virtuous Wife – A virtuous wife is one who works diligently, minister to others, cares for her household, and fears the Lord. Wife: How do these verses challenge you to grow? Husband: How is your wife like this? Do you praise her as you should?
Reflections on Proverbs 28-29
Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today? How should you respond?
- Justice – God ultimately brings justice (29:26). Leaders should seek justice (29:4, 14). All people should live justly (28:5-7). Are you striving to live justly? Pray that your leaders would rule justly. Look for justice ultimately from the Lord.
- Fear and Trust – We ought to fear the Lord rather than men (28:14, 29:25). We ought to trust in the Lord rather than ourselves (28:25-26). Who do you fear? When are you tempted to fear people? Who do you trust? When are you tempted to trust in yourself?
Reflections on Proverbs 25-27
Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today? How should you respond?
- The Fool – Proverbs 26:3-12 paints the picture of a fool. A fool cannot be trusted with tasks. He continues in his folly. His attempts to speak wisdom dismally fail. Yet there is more hope for a fool than one who is wise in his own eyes. When are you tempted to be wise in your eyes?
- The Sluggard – Proverbs 26:13-16 paints the picture of a sluggard. He makes up excuses not to work. He sleeps and lounges around when he should be up. He starts a task, but never finishes. What work does God have for you to do? Think beyond just jobs. What excuses have you been making? What tasks do you need to finish?
Brian J. Mikul 