Tag Archives: the book of Ecclesiastes

April 29
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Uncategorized Aside

“As he came from his mother’s womb, naked shall he return; to go as he came. And he shall take nothing from his labor which he may carry away in his hand.” (Ecclesiastes 5:15, NKJV)

Two things survive us: What we do for others; and what we do for the Lord God.

Ecclesiastes reminds us of the fact that we entered this world with empty hands, and that we shall leave it in the same way. In the interim, much passes through our hands: Money, opportunities to lend assistance to others, occasions to bless with a written word of encouragement, the embraces of forgiveness.

What have we done this week that will survive us?

Today will offer again many opportunities “to store up for ourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust corrupt; and where thieves do not break through and steal.” Act boldly for the sake of the kingdom (rule) of God!  – Luther

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April 1
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Uncategorized Aside

“The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails — given by one shepherd.” (Ecclesiastes 12:11, TNIV)

Today is April Fool’s Day, but every day has the potential to be the fool’s day.  Such days are when fiction is more appealing than fact; and where style trumps substance.

Ecclesiastes reminds us that wisdom may come to us as a “goad” — which is a sharp stick used to drive cattle.  But, Lord knows, most of us need prodding to get us to do the wise thing precisely because, to our nature, sizzling fiction is often more appealing than boring fact; and because we live in a time when style attracts more attention than substance. 

Be assured that living according to the wisdom of the Good Shepherd will help us to prevail in all of life’s tests and trials.  – Luther

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