Toiling After Riches Meaningless?

The older I get the more death becomes a reality, I lapse into more moments of thinking that life is as meaningless as Solomon would imply. Why all the years of toil, if it is to be gone in a second? Even if you have something to leave your offspring, how long will it last them? Do they follow in the way that they should go so that all that they say and thing and do will glorify God? Will their inheritance be wasted away on trivial stuff - fleeting moments of pleasure rather than those things that will bring real joy (that is glorifying God)? Will they appreciate all the years that you spent earning and saving it for them?

This toiling after riches is meaningless.

"Whoever loves money never has enough;
whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.
This too is meaningless.
As goods increase,
so do those who consume them.
And what benefit are they to the owners
except to feast their eyes on them?
The sleep of a laborer is sweet,
whether they eat little or much,
but as for the rich, their abundance
permits them no sleep.
I have seen a grievous evil under the sun:

wealth hoarded to the harm of its owners,
or wealth lost through some misfortune,
so that when they have children
there is nothing left for them to inherit.
Everyone comes naked from their mother’s womb,
and as everyone comes, so they depart.
They take nothing from their toilthat they can carry in their hands.  (Eccl 5:10 - 15 NIV) 

That is not to say work is evil. We should work if we expect to eat. But, it becomes very bothersome, even a burden, when one works only to amass riches. Jesus told this story to a crowd who followed to listen to Him: 
 “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’
  "Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain.  And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’
 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
  “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God." Luke 12:17-21

Our work should bring joy to us as well as to others. Live life! Enjoy the life that God has given you! Whether it is in the hours you spend laboring or during the hours you are relaxing with your friends and family, life here on earth is to be lived and enjoyed. Life, abundant life, is a gift from God.

"This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart." (Eccl 1:18-20).

While you are yet making your journey through this world focus not on amassing wealth or power to the exploitation of others, but on living life so that God may be glorified.

And... may the peace and joy that is found in being in relationship with God, our Father and with one another, through His Son, Jesus the Christ, be with you always.  Pr. J

Meaningless?

The older I get and death becomes more of a reality, I lapse into more moments of thinking that life is as meaningless as Solomon would imply. Why all the years of toil, if it is to be gone in a second? Even if you have something to leave your offspring, how long will it last them? Do they follow in the way that they should go so that all that they say and thing and do will glorify God? Will their inheritance be wasted away on trivial stuff - fleeting moments of pleasure rather than those things that will bring real joy (that is glorifying God)?

 This toiling after riches is meaningless.

"Whoever loves money never has enough;
whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.

This too is meaningless.

As goods increase,
so do those who consume them.
And what benefit are they to the owners
except to feast their eyes on them?
The sleep of a laborer is sweet,
whether they eat little or much,
but as for the rich, their abundance
permits them no sleep.
I have seen a grievous evil under the sun:

wealth hoarded to the harm of its owners,
or wealth lost through some misfortune,
so that when they have children
there is nothing left for them to inherit.
Everyone comes naked from their mother’s womb,
and as everyone comes, so they depart.
They take nothing from their toilthat they can carry in their hands.  (Eccl 5:10 - 15 NIV) 

That is not to say that work is evil. We should work if we expect to eat. But, it becomes very bothersome, even a burden, when one works only to amass riches. Jesus told this story to a crowd who followed to listen to Him: 

 “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’

  "Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain.  And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’

 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

  “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God." Luke 12:17-21

Our work should bring joy to us as well as to others. Live life! Enjoy the life that God has given you! Whether it is in the hours you spend laboring or during the hours you are relaxing with your friends and family, life here on earth is to be lived and enjoyed. Life, abundant life, is a gift from God.

"This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart." (Eccl 1:18-20).

Focus your journey here on earth, not on amassing wealth or power to the exploit of others, but on living life so that God may be glorified in all that you think and say and do.

And... may the peace and joy that is found in being in relationship with God, our Father and with one another, through His Son, Jesus the Christ, be with you always. 

God's Peace

Pr. J

Song of Songs 4 - Receive Great Passion

My first reaction to chapter 4 of Solomon's Song is that it is about his desire (lust) and her invitation to come and eat of the fruit of his desire.  It is indeed a beautiful love poem, full of vivid description. It is so full of vivid imagery that it is difficult to see it as an allegory for the Christ and the church - the Bride and the Bridegroom.

Since we're way into imagery this morning. Imagine the LORD as the he in this poem and the female as the whole church - everyone in it. The LORD calls us to love Him and reminds us that God love us with such a great passion that He was willing to give His very life for us. And, in return, we the bride open our arms to receive his love, even as He, with great passion, opened his arms in love on the cross for us. So, do we open our arms and our hearts and all that we are that Christ may abide with and in us more fully? Do we welcome His love? Are we willing to receive the love that He gives so freely? This love poem is about the adoration and passion between a man and a woman in love. How great is your adoration and passion for the LORD? Do you love Him enough to worship Him today? Will your love and your passion for Him be evident in your words and actions today and tomorrow and every day after?

I'm trying to put a good construction to this Love Song of Solomon and I'm not sure how successful I can be at that. There are quite a few chapters left to go through. But, I will try. May God help me.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Song of Songs 3 - The LORD's Love Is The Answer To The Void

LOL! Maybe I shouldn't be writing anything publicly about the Song of Songs as my patience and tolerance for anyone who is chasing after a man day and night can be pretty low. It's not nonexistent. I just think that if we are going to be good stewards of the time on earth that God has given us that there are better ways, more fulfilling ways, to live life.

However, if we read this as an allegory pertaining to our relationship with God, then indeed I can relate to the heart sickness and the persistence that comes with searching for love, at least in concept. As Pastor Al Goodrich, one of my early mentors use to remind people, "We don't find Jesus. He finds us."

But, the reality is that many people, even multitudes, hope for a love that will fill the void that exists within their hearts and their lives. I adjure you, if you're looking for love, genuine love, first you must know the genuine love of God, given to us through Christ Jesus. He has found you. He knocks at the door to your heart. Open it up and let Him in. (see Songs of Songs 5:2; Rev 3:20 NIV) He is our beloved. He is the King whom we await. His glory and splendor are way beyond anything you can imagine. The love that Solomon had for his many wives and concubines and they for him cannot even begin to compare to the love that God has for us in Christ Jesus. Crowned with splendor, as He enters our lives, our beloved will end our heart break and fill us with His peace.

If you're going to be chasing after love, chase after the one and only true love that will fill that empty void within you for all eternity. Once you receive His love, then you, too, will be able to love others, even as you love Him. Without the love of God, your heart will remain empty and you will probably find yourselves, more often than even you like, spending your days and nights chasing after men.

"May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance." (2 Thess 3:5) Pr. J

Song of Songs 2 - Internet Dating Is Not Love

Now that I am much older than the last time I read Solomon's Songs of Songs, I realize that all this falling in love stuff and romance is quite disturbing to me, at least the way it seems to be pursued today. It's not that I'm against love. I'm definitely for love. Sadly, this second chapter reminds me of something I'm seeing in many young people today - so focused on the object (person) that they are pursuing while neglecting the things (like education) that they should be focused on.  And, if someone is peeking through the lattice then they are definitely pursuing something or someone and quite inappropriately, I would say. Today, I'd run any young man off that's peeking through anything! But, that is just me...

It is a quite beautiful poem. In it you will find a really good warning: "Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." (Song of Songs 2:7 NIV)

Do not try to arouse love until it or you or the one you are pursuing is ready! The time will come when true love comes, but this jumping around from love to love is a bit crazy... a new boyfriend or girlfriend every other week! Be for real! It is a waste of time. Live life to it's fullest and I assure you there is more to life than catch and release. And, pursuing true love on facebook is even crazier. Some of you who may be a bit older, may be wondering what I am talking about.

Today, young people don't date like we use to date - you know - where we actually went to a restaurant or a movie.... Today, they connect on places like facebook. They call it dating. They may never even go on a date like we know a date before they are fighting and break up. It sounds safe in a sense - at least we know where they are - in their bedrooms chatting with someone via the internet.
But, there are a few problems with this.

1. They are locked up in their bedrooms not really living life. Go out and play basketball. Go skating or skiing or kayaking or swimming or fishing or with all the toys they have today sno-mobiling or 4-wheeling! There really are a lot of things you can do. If you are bored, it is because you choose to be bored. Get out of your room and talk to your parents and siblings! Really be with them! Live life!

2. They are not out interacting with other people, a social skill which is going to be necessary in adulthood.

3. We really can never know who that person is on the other side of the chat box. Yes, maybe they see their faces. They may even have mutual friends on the social site. But, can they really know who the person is? Will you in the end, after long hours of wasted time find that they're just playing games with you or even worse find out they are actually very dangerous people. From personal experience, I can say that until you can really look a person in the eye, in the flesh; until you can say I C U, then you can't truly know them.

4. It really makes for a lot of wasted and fruitless time as the young people are focused on these relationships rather than relationships that can really bring peace and joy to one's life. It takes the focus away from the things that are good and healthy for the young person; things that are necessary to prepare them for life as adults.

Let love come naturally. It may be that one day you will even meet your life-long partner on the internet. But, don't push it. Let love begin with the people around you, with your family, your friends, your neighbors and one day you will wake up and realize that you have fallen in love. It will come naturally. As Solomon reminds us today, "Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires."

Love will come; but, in the meantime, live life.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. and by the way, the friends you have made over the years are way more important to your happiness than some boy or girl you just met on the internet!  

Solomon's Song of Songs 1 - God Is Sweeter Than Wine, More Fragrant Than Perfume

Song of Songs is a poem about love. It is a lot about the passion and love between a man and a woman. It's verses cycle from courtship through wedding to consummation. When I first read it so many years ago, it came across to me as a little racy. I wondered why it would even be included in the Holy Scriptures. The explanation I received was that it is an allegory of the love between God and His people, Christ and the Church, the Bride and the Bridegroom. It's been awhile since I've read it, so I will see what understanding I get from this reading.

It begins: "Solomon’s Song of Songs." (vs 1) The Song of Songs is attributed to Solomon and continues with the female oration:

"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—
for your love is more delightful than wine.
Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes;
your name is like perfume poured out.
No wonder the young women love you!
Take me away with you—let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers." (Song of Songs 1:2-4 NIV)

Is this woman truly in love or is she merely desiring something or someone that other women love, just because he is desired by others. Is it merely a case of what others have, I want? I'm afraid, to me, this sounds more like a young woman or girl lusting rather than in love. Or, maybe that is what is just a part of the dance of love. Are desire and love the same thing? Maybe, it is that they are just so totally intertwined that you cannot have one without the other. It is up to the individual to be able to know the difference between pure lust and genuine love.

On the other hand if we look at it from the view that this is an allegory of Bride and the Bridegroom (Christ and the Church) would it not be wonderful if we could all be so excited about being loved by God? For me, this ends up being a very weak allegory. The love of God is way more pleasing than any wine or the fragrance of perfume!  It is difficult, for me, to equate the joy that comes with being in relationship with God to that of pursuing a man. Let us see, what the rest of the book has to say. Keep reading... See you tomorrow.

May the peace of the LORD be with you now and through all your tomorrows. Pr. J

Ecclesiastes 12 - Remember Your Creator; The Conclusion Of The Matter

"Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them”" (Eccl 12:1 NIV)

I cannot begin to count the times that I have heard that "religion" is for old people. I haven't quite figured out why anyone would think you have to be old to be in a relationship. That is what Christianity is all about, after all. It is about being in a relationship - being in a relationship with with God our Creator, our Redeemer, and our Reconciler. We have, through the blood of Jesus the Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, been reconciled to God our Creator and to one another.

And... then there are those who are in their 40's and 50's (we're not quite young, anymore) who tell me that when they retire they will have more time for God. That's interesting. What makes them so sure they're going to live to retirement age? And... if they do live that long, they will have lived many years wasted as they chose not to live in God's eternal presence in the days of their youth. How meaningless is that - to choose to live without God's presence in this world? How meaningless is that - to wait 'till one is old to be in relationship with One who loves who so much? Live life in relationship now - before the opportunity is gone. Who knows when God will decide that the silver cord is to be broken, that it is time to return to the dust? 

Remember the parable of the man who decided to build barns to store his great wealth?  

   "Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
   And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’
   “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’
    “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
    “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God." (Luke 12:15-21)

Solomon reminds us: "Remember him—before the silver cord is severed, and the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, and the wheel broken at the well, and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Everything is meaningless!""  (Eccl 12:6-8)

Today we read the last chapter of the wisdom of Solomon from Ecclesiastes. Solomon's summation advises us to fear God - remember who He is - He is God. 

"The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one shepherd. Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."  (Eccl 12:11-14)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Ecclesiastes 2 - Everything Is Meaningless

It's sounding like Solomon feels like a lot of people in the U.S. today. He's not pleased with the prospect of having his wealth being redistributed. But, Solomon is concerned with having it redistributed after he dies. People today are concerned that they will have to work hard and have the government redistribute the fruits of their hands to others while they still live.

Our politicians come up with such grand plans to save the country, to save the world. But, it appears to me that these great plans are nothing more than attempts to please themselves and the lobbyists, to please egos, not God. And, when the planning is over and we are through planning and try to implement so many of these great plans we see that "everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun." (Prov 1:11b NIV)

Everything is meaningless. In the pursuit of wealth, there will be no joy. There will be no happiness. There will only be much hard labor, with the end result being that we die. We will leave this earth and we will leave all our things to another.  But, the wisdom of Solomon tells us that even though the same fate takes us all "wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness. The wise have eyes in their heads, while the fool walks in the darkness. (2:13b-14a)

In the end Solomon finds that enjoyment can only come from the hand of God. He writes: "A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God.  (Prov 1:24-26)

May God bless you with peace of heart and mind as you pursue the plans He has for you. Pr. J

Ecclesiates 1 - Life Is Meaninless Without Love

Although there are those who would refute attributing Ecclesiastes to the writing of Solomon, the contents indicate that he was. For my part, I will proceed with the understanding that Solomon indeed wrote Ecclesiastes. After all, who would be the wise king, son of David, king in Jerusalem if it were not Solomon?  

"The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem." (Eccl 1:1 NIV)

"I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens." (Eccl 12, 13)

 

Solomon's search for knowledge and wisdom, brought him not an enlightenment that would satisfy, but depression. Solomon finds instead that everything under the sun, is meaningless. "For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief." (Eccl 1:18)

 

One of my mother's favorite sayings for when one of us kids did something stupid was: "No brains, no pains." Then she'd leave it at that. I'm not sure if that's the most appropriate thing to tell a child. But, we got the point. With wisdom and knowledge comes many opportunities; but, with opportunities comes many challenges and often some trying times. My mother's view was that accepting the opportunities and challenges that come with gaining wisdom and knowledge was worth the bit of hardship one might have to endure.

 

Solomon, on the other hand, who was wiser than any other man, has found that his seeking knowledge was meaningless in the end. In the end, every living thing under the sun dies. As we read through Ecclesiastes, I hope that we will come to the understanding that not everything is futile. But, that it is possible to strive for greater knowledge and wisdom, even while we enjoy the fruits of this life that God has given us. We are to live life, not just bury ourselves in seeking after knowledge. Books are good, but life is still to be enjoyed.

 

Another thing to remember about Solomon is that as he decided to marry foreign wives, he also decided to worship their gods, as well. This is not good. Worshipping false gods is utterly meaningless and a source of the emptiness that many feel. Solomon, I fear, lived a life as a seeker. He was seeking meaning for his life. It was a life devoid of real relationships founded on a relationship with the one true God, who gifted him with much wisdom. His life probably lacked love. After all, how lonely is the man who would need to have 700 wives and 300 concubines? I believe he was one who may have had wisdom, but not real relationships. Not with God and consequently not with the people around him. So we have a man, who has found that his pursuit of wisdom and knowledge was meaningless. He never really lived life.

 

May God grant you a greater relationship with Him and with those around you that you may live life more fully.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Proverbs 25 - Self-Control

"Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. (Prov 25:28 NIV)

Most of us probably lose "it" from time to time. From time to time, most of us, probably over indulge. For some it may be eating, for some sleeping too much, or watching television when they have chores or other work to do. Some may lose self-control and not know when to hold their tongue when talking about others or themselves. Some "lose it" in the area of anger management. We don't always do what we ought to be doing. For whatever reason, we feed our habits, by over-indulging. Most of the time, we can excuse ourselves, saying it doesn't hurt anyone but me. But, when we use that excuse we are usually lieing not only to others, but to ourselves. Whatever we do affects others around us.

Losing self-control opens us up to attacks - attacks that we cannot fully protect ourselves from. It's kind of like getting drunk, passing out, and having a robber come into your home to take what is yours. Or, if your mouth runs too much you set yourself up for blackmail or lawsuits. Or... you could simply be setting yourself up to look like a fool and any opportunities for your future may be lost.

"The Proverbs of Solomon remind us to maintain self-control by observing the rule of moderation.  "If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit. Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—too much of you, and they will hate you." (Prov 25:16-17)

When I was very young we lived in military housing. My husband worked mostly days while I worked an evening shift. Some of the neighbors took to visiting me every morning for coffee. I enjoyed having the company, at first, since I was so far from home. But, after awhile the visits got longer and longer. Consequently, I would run out of time to get the household chores done. I didn't know how to tell them that they should stop this habit. Frankly, they had worn out their welcome. Finally, my husband came home for lunch one day and they were still there. He handed out cleaning supplies to the women and told to help if they were going to be sitting around all day. They got the hint. Coffee time was reduced to once or twice a week and only for one cup of coffee...

There is a time and place for everything. Give everything its time and place. Self-control will help greatly in achieving all that you must or desire to do.

Think about it... What if Jesus did not have self-control?  Would he have been able to wait in the Garden of Gethsemane that night knowing that he would be taken to trial and crucified the next day?  His disciples, his friends, asleep, while He waited to be bound and taken to his execution. Where would you and I be today? In whom or what would our hope lie, if Jesus had run away? If he had allowed the robber in by not standing and facing, with no little self-control, the enemy?

We are not Jesus, most of us probably "lose it" from time to time. It is not an easy thing to maintain self-control all the time. But, losing it is not a good thing. Like a city whose walls have been broken through, those who cannot or will not exhibit self-control will be overcome. But, the Spirit of Christ who abides in you, has the power to overcome all evil. Stand firmly then, trusting in the abiding Christ, to overcome all temptation to over-indulge in those things which will be harmful to you and others.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Chronicles 8-9 - Blessed be the LORD!

It is the 4th of July and today we celebrate our freedom in the United States.  I wonder what our forefathers - those that fought and lived through the revolution would think of our celebrations.  I wonder what they would think of what has been built on the foundation they laid.  How do we use our freedom?  To live life according to the good pleasure of God?  Or do we use our freedom as an excuse to trample on the lives of others?  Since I am biased, I will say that we live in a great country.  Here, I am still free to practice my faith (even though there are many who would prefer I did not).

Solomon, too, with the help of God, built a great country.  Not only he, but Israel, grew and prospered under his leadership.  Kings and even a queen honored and respected what had been done through him.  The Queen of Sheba, after witnessing his wisdom said, "Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and set you on his throne as king for the LORD your God!  Because your God loved Israel and would establish them forever, he has made you king over them, that you may execute justice and righteousness." (9:8 ESV)

Blessed be the LORD, our God!  May we all remember what He has done for us; how He has provided us with many great leaders over the generations.  May He raise up a leader(s) that will serve, with wisdom; executing justice and righteousness for all people. 

Christ has made you free to be children of God.  Men and women have given much so that you live freely in this world to live as a child of God.  Have a safe and happy celebration of the freedom that was won for you by others.  Honor (do not dishonor) the sacrifices made for you.  Live life so that others may hear and see and say, "Blessed be the LORD your God!"

2 Chronicles 6 - Assemble/God's Name

Now here is a mystery that I have puzzled over time and time again.  God's name dwells in the temple, but he hears our prayers from heaven.  What does it mean for  God's name to dwell in the temple?  The temple was built for God's name.  Solomon reminds the people that this temple built by human hands can in no way contain the LORD.  God is bigger than all this.  Again... It is God's name, not His whole being (if that word might be used) that dwells there.

Yet, the whole assembly of Israel gathers at the temple to hear Solomon dedicate the temple and to bless the people.  I like this:  "all the assembly of Israel." (ESV)  I often wonder what would happen if every member of every Christian congregation in the world would assemble for worship even for just one Sunday (or whatever day your congregation worships together).  Can you imagine that!  Can you imagine all of God's people worshipping, and praying, and praising God all on the same day, at the same time?  I think this would definitely be pleasing to the LORD.  After all that He has done for us, don't we love Him enough for that to happen? 

We can be so like the spoiled child, whose parents give all they can so that there children will have the best of everything and all their children do is complain.  They still never have exactly what they want and can't always do exactly what they want to do.  And why would that be?  Because parents know that it would not always be in the best interest of their children to give them some of the things they desire.

Oh, but if we, as the assembly of God's people, could only celebrate and give thanks for the gifts and opportunities that God, our Father, has given to us.  What a difference that would make for the world!

2 Chronicles 3 - 4; Temple of God

Sorry... For some reason this morning's blog didn't save - must have been bogus or I need to quit working on 2 computers at the same time.  That's probably more multi-tasking than I need to be doing :)  Soon and very soon, I will retire the old computer.

Solomon builds the temple and the vessels for use in the temple inside.  As in 1 Kings 6, there is a lot of detail included in the description.  It is hard for me to imagine the immensity and the beauty of this temple.  Every time I read these description, I am trying to calculate, in my head, a cubit as about 1 1/2 feet and a cubit as about 75 pounds. 

As hard as it is to imagine what this temple looked like, it is even harder (impossible) to imagine the magnitute and magnificient of the temple that was raised when Jesus the Christ was raised from the dead.  Just try to imagine this glorious temple - the Body of Christ.  It is beyond the scope of our imaginations.  It is beyond words.

It will be, I am sure, easier to post this successfully!  God's Peace.... Pr. J

2 Chronicles 1 - Wisdom to Serve

It wasn't too long ago, that I was at a Bible study trying to recall what happened to the Tent of the Meeting that the Israelites had carried around for so many years.  I just could not remember what happened to it once the Israelites went to their apportioned lands.  My memory has never been too good and isn't getting any better as the days pass.  I just keep studying and praying that I will remember at least a good portion of what I read.

Well, here we find the original tabernacle.  Solomon has gone to the Tent of the Meeting at the high place at Gibeon.  He makes offerings to the LORD and God appears to him, asking Solomon what He should give him.  Solomon asks for wisdom and knowledge so that he might lead the numerous people that God has given him.  God grants Solomon's request and commends him for not being selfish.

This is just an outstanding transition from 1 Chronicles to 2 Chronicles.  In the last chapter of 1 Chronicles we have David bequeathing hundreds of thousands of pounds of gold and silver to the building of God's house and in this first chapter of 2 Chronicles, we have his son, Solomon, not requesting riches or anything else for himself.  Solomon asks only to lead God's people with wisdom and knowledge.  God grants this request; and in addition, blesses him with great wealth and honor.

This is really some good stuff for anyone who is struggling with what stewardship actually is.  Good stewards will understand that the gifts given to us, by God, are not to be for our own glory, but are to be used, by us, in service to both God and others (our neighbors). 

Neither, David or Solomon were without fault.  But, within their hearts ws the desire to serve and honor the LORD and God knew that.  He knows what is in each of our hearts.  May He create in each of us the desire to be willing servants and wise stewards of all that He has blessed us with.

1 Chronicles 29 - Free-will Offerings

Wow!  I know some stewardship/financial people in my congregation who would love this chapter!  David bequeaths 3000 talents of gold and 7000 thousand talents of silver to the building up of the temple.  And.. the leaders of fathers' houses, leaders of the tribe, the commanders of the troops, and officers of the king's work followed David's lead by giving very generous free-will offerings for the work, as well.  And... David and all the people were exceedingly happy because they had given willing, with whole hearts.  Therefore, David blessed the LORD and thanks Him that they are able to give so willingly.  How is it, he wonders, that they are able to give anything to the LORD? After all, isn't everything God's in the first place?  Isn't it He who gives us every good thing?

We have come to the end of 1 Chronicles.  Solomon, David's son, is made king and David dies with honor and dignity at a good age. 

David's life and his reign has had its ups and down.  Tomorrow we will begin to (maybe) understand the wisdom of Solomon and his leadership.

1 Chronicles 28 - Faith of Our Fathers

One of our songs chosen for this Sunday is "Faith Of Our Fathers."  I am most grateful for all those who are continuing to build upon the groundwork that was prepared by the faithful people who have been here before us.

David prepared for the building of the temple.  His son, Solomon, was called to build it.  What is it that our forefathers prepared the ground for us for?  Was it to build the temple or tear it down?  I am always amazed at the faithful service of so many and, yet, I sometimes find myself dismayed by those who work to throw away or tear down what others have striven to build with the help of God.  Every generation has their own idea of what the "Church" is.  And, consequently every generation seems to goes off in a new direction, leaving behind what has already been started.  Jesus said there is only one way.  He is the way, and the truth and the life. 

So why so many different ways?  Why would some say that there are many ways?  There are indeed many callings; many different gifts needed to help grow the church.  But, there is only one way we are to be heading and that is the Kingdom of God, purchased by the blood of His Son, Jesus the Christ. 

This fall, I am hoping that one of our men will give a table talk, actually more like a testimony, regarding stewardship of God's gifts.  I am thinking that I will also give a table talk that month.  This one will be specifically on the stewardship of God's gifts of Word and Sacraments.  We cannot what God has called us to do; we cannot know the way without hearing and knowing the Word.  We cannot follow in the way; we cannot do our Father's will, without the abiding presence of God received in both Word and Sacrament of Holy Communion.  We cannot have the faith of our Fathers without receiving these gifts.

Jesus is the way, and the truth, and the life.  Let us follow in His way!  Let us live life!

1 Chronicles 22-David Prepares Solomon To Serve

Although David is not allowed to build the temple for the LORD, because of all the blood that he has shed; David gathers together workers and supplies so that when he dies his son will be able to begin to build it.  He prepares Solomon to serve the LORD by reminding him that the LORD will be with him in this endeavor, granting him peace and quiet, as he does the will of the LORD.

God has a purpose for each of us.  He gives each of us gifts that His purpose might be completed through each of us.  One gets to clear the way, another gets to build in it, and; yet, another gets to add even more to the beginnings that were made by others.  Life is a journey and it's not just our journey.  The journey was begun by others before us and what was built or begun by them has been added to by others.  All, according to God's good purpose; all for His glory. 

Often, I hear that older people (especially Lutherans) don't like change.  I find that laughable!  We have members in our congregations who will read this blog on their computers this morning; who grew up in homes without computers or television.  They did not have telephones in the homes they grew up in.  Some did not have electricity or refrigeration (without ice cut from Lake Superior in the winter) in their childhood homes.  Not like change?  That's absurd!  They have seen many changes in their lives.  They know that those changes did not hinder their lives; rather they have welcomed them. 

It is seniors who give me some of the best advise when it comes to changes that we might want to consider in things relating to the church community - changes that will enhance our lives together in Christ - changes that will prepare our children to build on what has been started here in these decades. 

And... so as David prepared for his son, Solomon, to build the temple of the LORD, we prepare for our children and for their future service to the LORD.  We prepare them for building on what has been started here according to God's will; all for His glory.

1 Kings 4 - Solomon

All those names to remember! Two Azariahs even! I know I won't be remembering them; therefore, an earmark so I can refresh my memory when I need to know who is who in Solomon's court.

"Judah and Israel were as many as the sand by the sea" under Solomon's rule. And...exactly how huge is Solomon's household? Take a good look at how much it took to feed his household each day: 180 bushels of flour, 360 bushels meal, ten oxen, 20 cattle, 100 hundred sheep, besides a whole lot of wild game. Course then, he probably had to feed those who slaughtered and cooked all these animals, as well. And, who gets to wash all those dishes?

Solomon leads the people with wisdom and they live in peace. It's about time!