Ecclesiastes 4-6
Job and Solomon were both rich men who worked hard in life. It would be easier to hear Job say what Solomon is about to say since Job lost everything. As Solomon writes this he is still amazingly rich. It seems that everything Solomon says lacks any redemptive perspective in life and comes from the attitude that a man makes his life, not the Lord. Not only that, Solomon's focus is on work and lasting value. We know this earth must pass away.
By now you know what to do to keep your interest sharp. Look for recurring words and phrases and highlight or underline them.
Ecc. 4
This chapter seems to focus on the foolishness of being alone.
Vs. 9-12 I wonder if Solomon said this from regret. The man who had 1000 wives was really alone on earth.
Vs. 13-16 This story seems to describe the new king as alone and not accepted.
Ecc. 5
Vs. 1-7 This seems to say that if you make God mad, he will take what you make and make your life pointless. I wonder if Solomon felt guilty for having fallen so far from those early days.
Vs. 8-9 Rulers will take the fruit of your toil.
Vs. 10-17 Ruin through the love of money and greed.
V. 15 This sounds like Job.
Vs. 18-20 This is the only point in life as Solomon saw it. Ironically, from everything Solomon says, I don't think he enjoyed this simple life. I think he was miserable.
Ecc. 6:1-12
Vs. 1-2 This seems to be autobiographical. Solomon might have already seen that his son Rehoboam would be a fool.
Look for different parts in Solomon's lament here. What different ills does he see in the world?
In reading this, we need to remember that what happened to Solomon could happen to us. Solomon was "destroyed" spiritually by living in the flesh and drifting from God. Here is what Paul said regarding former disciples.
Philippians 3:18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our commonwealth is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power which enables him even to subject all things to himself.
The best defense is a good offense. Love Christ for His salvation and forgiveness, follow Him in the harvest, stay in the Word, growing in the Lord, and make disciples who make disciples. Many of us start well, but living on this planet has an eroding effect on our vision and faith. Only love for Jesus can keep us alive.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rckDatFOI6g
2 Corinthians 6:14-7:7
2 Cor. 6:14-18
So who is Paul referring to here? Is he talking about marriage? I think Paul is talking about the Jewish super apostles and other frauds the Corinthians had in their group. In 1 Cor. 15 Paul told them, "For some among you have no knowledge of God and I say this to your shame."
This is a good general principle, but here I think Paul is telling them to distance themselves from those who said they were believers but were not believers, or those who were believers but were a problem to unity.
These factitious people were also setting the people against Paul. Here is what Paul says in Romans 16:17, "I appeal to you, brethren, to take note of those who create dissensions and difficulties, in opposition to the doctrine which you have been taught; avoid them." Why Paul needs to appeal to the church in Rome and why he needs to say this to the Corinthians is that we resist doing this to those who are in the church, who keep the church from its mission by criticism and stubbornness.
2 Cor. 7:1-7
V. 1 This sounds like Romans 12:1-2, offering themselves back to Christ.
Vs. 2-4 Paul is coming full circle to chapter one, talking about Paul & Co.'s suffering and joy in God's leading. All of this is written because of his love and heart for the Corinthians.
Vs. 5-7 Paul was anxious about the impact of the letter he sent with Titus. When Titus found Paul, he told him that the majority of the people saw what was happening and had tender hearts toward Paul.
Psalm 47
This seems like a simple song of praise in worship. I wonder if the sons of Korah understood that God was working in the world and in Israel to bring salvation and redemption to all of lost humanity. If you miss this part, what really is the difference between Solomon dedicating the temple and Solomon writing Ecclesiastes? I'm so thankful that we are defined by Jesus and not by church or worship from any culture, or by perceived blessing. We follow Jesus as His disciples in the harvest.
I wonder if this psalm sounded anything like this video? If so, there were some shaking robes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCOGZVfzdxc
Proverbs 22:16
Either on earth or after, amen.
If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.”
I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.
If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.
I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.
Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.
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