Journal Through the Bible: Week 48 Saturday

Source

Ecclesiastes chapters 5 & 6

Solomon realized that a temporal view of life is depressing. On the other hand, an eternal view is liberating!

Does God issue any commands in this passage?

• In Numbers chapter 30, which is part of the law given to Moses, God gave commands concerning making and keeping vows. Solomon emphasizes this command and gives reason why it is urgent to keep it. (5:4-7)
• Solomon also championed the cause of the poor. (5:8) God commanded the Israelites in Leviticus to not take advantage of the poor because He would avenge them if they cried out to Him.

Does God make any promises?

• God does not speak directly in these chapters however Solomon does refer to the provision of God upon those who labor. He calls the benefit of this labor a person's portion or a gift from God. (This is the basis of God's command not to steal. The things gained from honest labor belong to the person who worked for them. God honors the laborer and his labor by giving him joy in his heart because of his busy days.)

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• Jesus behaved himself wisely when He visited His Father's House. His words proved that He was no fool.
• Jesus kept all of His vows to God. He finished the work that the Father gave Him to do and to which He agreed in the predeterminate counsel between all the members of the Godhead.
• Jesus gave up the mansions of Heaven for a season. The owner of the whole world seemed to have few earthly possessions in His sojourn on earth. He obviously had no desire to take it all with Him to Heaven when He left! And yet, God provided for His needs throughout His whole life, most notably during the time of His earthly ministry.

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• Solomon sorrows over the fact that the wealth that one obtains on earth does not go into eternity with the person. (5:13-16) Jesus said that we are to labor to set aside treasures in Heaven because those we will have for all eternity. (Matthew 6:19-21) Someday we will all leave what we gathered on earth and will gain our eternal possessions.

TAKE TIME: January 6-11, 2014

This was edited 1/9/14 to correct errors to the schedule on Thursday-Saturday.

Introduction: This week we finish reading Ecclesiastes, the book that Solomon wrote under the pseudonym of The Preacher. Then we will begin reading about the events that took place during the reign of his son, Rehoboam. Part of what Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes was in regard to fears over passing inheritance and heritage to the next generation. Reading Rehoboam's story shows that his fears were not without merit even though part of the reason for Rehoboam's problems was God's punishment upon Solomon himself.

 Assignment:

• Monday - Ecclesiastes 7:1-8:17
• Tuesday - Ecclesiastes 9:1-10:20
• Wednesday - Ecclesiastes 11:1-12:14
• Thursday - I Kings chapter 12
• Friday - I Kings chapter 13
• Saturday - I Kings chapter 14

Memory Verse

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.. Ecclesiastes 12:13


Prayer Journal (ACTS)

• Adoration - Praise God for being unchanging. He never grows old. He never gets weak. He is always the same, unyielding, unmovable, Rock of our salvation.
• Confession - Ask God to reveal hidden sin in your life and then confess it.
• Thanksgiving - Thank God for any answers to your prayers.
• Supplication - What are your prayer requests this week? List them for future reference so that you can see how God answers.

Search the Scriptures

Look for references for each of the following:

• Promises that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?
• References that either refer to or infer something about future events.
• What does this passage teach about Jesus?
• Commandments that God made and to whom He made them. Do they apply to you?

Putting the Word into Action

Ecclesiastes chapter 12 contains a touching description of growing old. His ultimate conclusion is that everyone growing older and when lose their vitality then will pass away. That is one of the things he means by vanity: this life on earth will come to an end.

In the meantime, there is work to be done. If you are like most people you have neighbors and relatives who are growing older or are just individuals living alone. This is the time of year when injuries are common due to accidents and mishaps. Keep track of those you know who might need periodic assistance.

Read Through the Bible in 2014: January 6-11 Schedule

1/6/2014	Job 1-3	John 7
1/7/2014	Job 4, 5	John 8, 9
1/8/2014	Job 6-8	John 10
1/9/2014	Job 9, 10	John 11, 12
1/10/2014	Job 11-13	John 13
1/11/2014	Job 14, 15	John 14

Journal Through the Bible: Week 48 Friday

source

Ecclesiastes chapters 3 and 4

This passage begins with a beautiful poem about time and purpose. The chapter ends with the observation that everything that has the breath of life dies, whether man or beast. The next chapter speaks of the work, oppression, and cooperation.

Does God issue any commands in this passage?

• God does not speak directly in this passage.

Does God make any promises?

• God does not speak directly in this passage.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• One of the most misunderstood things about Jesus' first advent was its purpose. Even His disciples did not understand why He had come, especially after He had been crucified and all of their hopes for the Kingdom were dashed. But as 3:1-8 states there is a time to every purpose and Jesus' purpose in coming to earth as a baby in Bethlehem, growing up as the sinless Son of God, dying on the cross and being resurrected 3 days later was the time to fulfill the purpose of being the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.
• When Solomon states "that which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been," (3:15) this is fulfilled in Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• Just as Jesus had a time to be the Lamb of God, one day He will come in His second advent and this time He will be the Lion of Judah, the Judge of the whole world. 
• Solomon states that whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever. (3:14) Forever means forever. He that began a good work shall be faithful to complete it. (Philippians 1:6)
• The time of judgment is yet to come. (3:17)