Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ecclesiastes 4-6 and Revelation 11
Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage: Ecclesiastes 7-9; Revelation 12
Hold sacred the gifts of marriage, children, family, and the
authorities put in place among us. Do not regard the accolades and
accoutrements of the world as more important than the Lord and His gracious
gifts. Though we continually search for contentment in this “under the sun”
existence, Christ is our eternal Lord and King of kings. The wicked and foolish
sin against God in acts of religious complacency, empty devotion, and
unfulfilled vows. Despite superficial religion and meaningless vows, God is
faithful and just. Upon our confession, He will absolve us of our sins for the
sake of Christ. In the latter part of chapter 5, Solomon shows how to make a
comfortable use of God’s gifts. In chapter 6, he shows the evil uses of wealth
and asks, “Will the amassing of wealth bring happiness?” What person is better
for his or her wealth, pleasure, and honor when standing before god at the
final judgment? Jesus Christ is the way and the truth and the life. He is the
author and perfecter of our faith, so that we do not grow weary and lose heart.
In Revelation, using the figure of twin witnesses, John
describes the response of a hostile world to the preaching of God’s Word.
Though ample opportunity is given for people to receive the blessings of
repentance and the Gospel, most choose to reject the Church and persecute it.
However, the apparent triumph of the Gospel’s enemies is never the last word.
Jesus’ promise stands true: those remaining faithful unto death will be given
the crown of life. John describes the transition from Satan’s temporary rule of
the world to the consummation of God’s reign. For now, people can refuse to
obey God. But such resistance will someday be met with an irresistible
outpouring of wrath and judgment. Christ’s people need not fear that day. Instead,
they may long for the day when God will be all in all, and perfect harmony will
again prevail.
Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage: Ecclesiastes 7-9; Revelation 12
3 comments:
This stood out for me:
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
We aren't meant to do things on our own but with others...what's that saying? "many hands, light work" We need to help others and be willing to let others help us.
"But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun." Ecclesiastes 4:3
How true. I remember when Pamela and I were having our kids and wondering how long we could keep their innocence. There is a lot of evil under the sun here on earth. How great it will be when we are called home to Heaven!
We always want more than we have. The grass is always greener on the other side. We shouldn't become obsessed with gaining more material things, rather we should view our possessions as gifts from God to be used for His glory and the benefit of others.
The cord of three strands always jumps out at me when I read this passage.
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