The Speaker is concerned with our making promises to God (i.e. vows) that we cannot satisfy. It is better not to vow at all than to vow and not fulfill. Thus the Speaker tells us that vows are not to be taken lightly or inadvisably.
Ecclesiastes 5 – Vows Before God Read More »
When the Speaker addresses oppression, he simply describes the situation with no contemporaneous recognition of any role that he could play to address the oppression that he sees.
Ecclesiastes 4 – Insouciance Read More »
The Speaker finds great value in companionship. Two are better than one in their endeavors and for support, warmth, and protection. In vv.9-12, the Speaker extols the goodness of having a companion.
Ecclesiastes 4 – Companionship Read More »
The Speaker knows wisdom and righteousness but also knows that death has the final say over all. As Paul reminds us, if there is no resurrection of the dead and if Christ has not been raised then our faith is pure vanity. 1 Cor. 15:14.
Ecclesiastes 3 – The Resurrection? Read More »
The Speaker begins his teaching with the recognition of the Absurd – life makes no coherent sense, life is not fair, and life is not just. For the Speaker and for us, therefore, the question arises as to how he/we respond to this recognition. This is the story of Lent.
Ecclesiastes 1 – The Absurd Read More »
Only once we realize that all of our thoughts, all of our theologies, all of our world view, and even our very existence is vanity and futile and pointless and meaningless can we begin to walk with Jesus.
Ecclesiastes 1- Havel Havalim Read More »
This is my favorite book of the Old Testament, and next to the writings of John, my favorite book in all of Scripture. Within Ecclesiastes, we are given insight into one person’s struggle to make sense of reality.
Ecclesiastes – An Introduction Read More »
If you could insert a chapter about your own ghost, how would it read? What thing is the most important thing in your life? What idol are you prepared to protect and pursue at all costs?
The Great Divorce, Ch. 12-14, pt.2 Read More »
Lewis’s teaching is that if we can begin to wrap our heads around the idea that the movement of time is simply an illusion, then the stark difference between creation/annihilation, universalism/election, and predestination/freedom disappears.
The Great Divorce, Ch. 12-14, pt.1 Read More »
Nothing in and of itself is good or bad (how can the love of a child be wrong) but when that thing takes the place of God, it causes us to miss the mark (i.e. sin). Therefore, the challenge that Lewis gives us is to see those idols in our life that draw us away from God so that they can be put in their proper place.
The Great Divorce, Ch.9-11, pt.2 Read More »
