Quick Note – Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 – Live in the Moment

Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 – 24 There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, 25 for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? 26 For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.

Portions of Ecclesiastes can be quite depressing, because they talk about how life and everything in it is basically vanity.  Whether it is your toil, whether it is your fun, whether it is your passion – all is vanity.  This book was written by King Solomon, who had every pleasure at his command.  He was one of the wisest people on earth, writing hundreds of proverbs.  He was one of the richest people to ever live, whose reign was characterized by silver being as worthless as stone.  And he was one of the most famous and respected people of all time.  He could have and had everything, so if anybody would know if there was a purpose or goal in life, it would be him.  However, he still found life to be completely worthless.  All was vanity.  His gardens, his servants, his flocks, his gold, and even his wisdom.  All to him was vanity.  How depressing! 

But interestingly, amid many of these depressing verses, Solomon also wrote wise and encouraging statements – statements of purpose and statements of how we should live our lives.  One of these statements is found in today’s verses.  Solomon said that because all was vanity, a person should simply eat, drink, and find enjoyment in his work.  That is how life should be lived.  Enjoy each day for what it is.  Live in the moment.  This sounds very worldly.  It sounds contrary to what Jesus tells us to do in laying up treasures in heaven.  But that is why it is important to read the following verses, “This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?  For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy…”  Solomon made it clear that a person could only enjoy life by following and pleasing God.  Apart from God, there is no joy. 

God is the one who provides our food.  If He withheld it, we would starve.  God is the one who provides our drink.  If He withheld it, we would thirst.  God is the one who gives us a purpose and a goal in life.  If He did not direct us, we would be lost and wandering doing things that amount to nothing – that amount to vanity.  It is only by following and obeying God that we can please Him.  It is by doing His work, waiting on Him, that we can run and not be weary and walk and not faint (vs. 31). 

If you are feeling down, if you feel like there is no joy or purpose in life, if your work and toil feel heavy and vain, then I challenge you to examine your heart and ask whether you are living a life that is pleasing to God.  Because if you live a life that pleases Him, He will give you purpose and joy.  Only then can you truly enjoy life in the moment! 

Quick Note – 2 Chronicles 9:3-8 – The Greatness of Solomon

2 Chronicles 9:3-8 – 3 And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, 4 the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, and their clothing, his cupbearers, and their clothing, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more breath in her. 5 And she said to the king, “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, 6 but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, half the greatness of your wisdom was not told me; you surpass the report that I heard. 7 Happy are your wives! Happy are these your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 8 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.”

After hearing about Solomon’s wisdom and kingdom from those around her, the Queen of Sheba wanted to see whether all that was reported of him was true for herself.  So she took a great retinue of servants and camels and gifts to Jerusalem to determine whether what was said about Solomon was true.  To her surprise, after seeing the house of the Lord that Solomon had built, his palace, his officials, his cupbearers and their clothes, the food that he ate, and the wisdom that he spoke, she was breathless.  She had nothing that she could say, because all that she saw was greater than the reports about him.  Solomon had exceeded her expectations. 

The Queen of Sheba could only say that the reports given about him could only describe half of his greatness.  She could only say that the people of Israel were blessed by God to have him as a king.  She could only say that his servants were lucky to listen to his wisdom.  She could only say that his people were happy.  She could not describe the greatness of what she saw.  The Queen of Sheba was stunned by the magnificence and greatness of Solomon’s kingdom. 

However, Solomon’s greatness and majesty is nothing compared to the King of Kings and LORD of lords.  Our God’s greatness, majesty, wisdom, and strength surpasses Solomon’s.  If the reports could only report half of Solomon’s greatness, then our songs of praise can only describe a speck of God’s majesty.  If the servants of Solomon should be happy to be in his presence and to listen to his wisdom, then the people of God should rejoice that the Holy Spirit lives in our lives and that we get to listen to the wisdom of God through His Word.  If the people of Israel were blessed to have Solomon as a king, then we as Christians are overflowing with blessings, because Jesus Christ rules and reigns in our lives as Savior and LORD.  There is no comparison between Solomon and God, for God is unimaginably greater. 

The Queen of Sheba praised Solomon for how great his rule and reign was, and that was only a glimpse compared to the greatness of God.  May we praise our God for His love, His mercy, His grace, His wisdom, and His excellent greatness.  May we constantly take advantage of our fortune to be in the presence of God. 

Quick Note – 1 Chronicles 22:5 – You Can Do Your Part even if It’s Not Direct

1 Chronicles 22:5 – 5 For David said, “Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all lands. I will therefore make preparation for it.” So David provided materials in great quantity before his death.

David desired to build a house for the Lord – a temple for His God.  However, because David shed a lot of blood during war throughout his life, God did not want him to build the temple.  Instead, God told David that his son Solomon, who would succeed him as king, would be the one to do it.  That didn’t stop David though from making preparations for the ministry that would be Solomon’s responsibility.  Today, I would like us to look over 1 Chronicles 22 and see how David contributed to the building of the Temple, although he wasn’t the one to build it.  It is a good reminder of how we can take part in a ministry even though we may not be the direct people that do the work.  

1 Chronicles 22:2-4 – 2 David commanded to gather together the resident aliens who were in the land of Israel, and he set stonecutters to prepare dressed stones for building the house of God. 3 David also provided great quantities of iron for nails for the doors of the gates and for clamps, as well as bronze in quantities beyond weighing, 4 and cedar timbers without number, for the Sidonians and Tyrians brought great quantities of cedar to David. 

First, we can provide for the ministry through our giving.  Although David could not build the Temple, he made sure that all the supplies necessary for the Temple were ready.  He had stones and wood ready for building the foundation.  He set aside iron and bronze without number for the nails, gates, and doors.  He even gave 100,000 talents (a talent is about 75 pounds) of gold and a million talents of silver for all the utensils, decorations, and coatings for the Temple.  David was serious in making sure that everything was ready for building.  He gave bountifully from all he had.  If he wasn’t going to build, he for sure was making sure that there would be no excuse why they couldn’t.  Sometimes, we are unable to take part in a ministry, maybe due to our age or our physical ailments or our location, but nowadays, that cannot stop our ability to give.  There are so many ways we can contribute financially to ministries.  Gifts can be given over the Internet using Apple Pay, Venmo, or direct transfers.  A simple phone call can transfer funds.  Even if we can’t physically help, we can give.  

1 Chronicles 22:11-12 – 11 “Now, my son, the Lord be with you, so that you may succeed in building the house of the Lord your God, as he has spoken concerning you. 12 Only, may the Lord grant you discretion and understanding, that when he gives you charge over Israel you may keep the law of the Lord your God. 

Second, we can pray for the ministry.  David knew that his Solomon was young and inexperienced and that the job of building the Temple would be difficult, so rather than leaving Solomon to figure it out on his own, he prayed that God would give him wisdom and success.  He asked for wisdom to rule in a righteous way and success in building the House of God.  This prayer may be part of the reason why God met Solomon later in the high place at Gibeon and granted him wisdom.  Prayer is one of the most powerful tools at a Christian’s disposal.  No matter where one is or what condition one is in in, one can always do it.  Paul asked for prayer from the churches he visited.  James tells Christians that the prayer of a righteous man has great power at its working.  Jesus Christ told His disciples to pray and to pray constantly.  Prayer is one way we can help ministries we cannot take part in.  We can pray for missionaries around the world, as well as, pastors and teachers in our own backyard.  

1 Chronicles 22:13b, 16 – Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed…Arise and work! The Lord be with you!”

Third, we can share an encouraging word.  David encouraged his son Solomon to not be afraid and to do the good work.  He knew that fear, anxiety, and worry that he could not measure up might prevent his son from doing the work.  So to ease his mind, he gave his son encouragement.  Words of encouragement can help a person struggling and in a difficult time to push through and succeed.  I am certain that calling your pastor and sharing with him how a message touched your heart or letting a Sunday school teacher know that she left an impact in your life can give them the boost they need when they feel like no one is listening.  An encouraging word can be the difference between someone quitting and someone persevering.  All it takes is a call, an email, a text, a letter.  You may feel like it has little worth, but it has a great impact.  That is why our words are important.  

1 Chronicles 22:17-19 – 17 David also commanded all the leaders of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying, 18 “Is not the Lord your God with you? And has he not given you peace on every side? For he has delivered the inhabitants of the land into my hand, and the land is subdued before the Lord and his people. 19 Now set your mind and heart to seek the Lord your God. Arise and build the sanctuary of the Lord God, so that the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the holy vessels of God may be brought into a house built for the name of the Lord.”

Lastly, we can recruit others to help in the ministry.  Knowing that this was a big job, David went and looked for other people that could help his son Solomon in the ministry.  He asked the leaders for help.  He prepared the Levites and priests.  He sought out the elders of the various tribes of Israel.  He gathered others to help do the good work.  We should keep an eye out for others who can take part in the ministry and encourage them to join in the ministry as well.  Though we may be incapable, we may be able to find others who are fit for doing that work.  Maybe you weren’t made to be a teacher, but you know of a person who teaches well.  Maybe you weren’t made to sing, but you know of a person who has a voice of an angel.  Maybe you can’t go to a different country, but you know of a person who is looking for that new adventure.  If we can’t do the work, keep an eye out for those who can.  

David was unable to build the House of the Lord, but he surely did his part.  He provided for the building, he prayed his son who would do the work, he encouraged his son to be strong and courageous, and he recruited others who could help.  Although he couldn’t directly do the work, he didn’t let that stop him from doing what he could.  No matter what condition or situation you are in, you can take part in God’s work.  You have a role in God’s ministry.  

Quick Note – 1 Kings 2:15 – The Final Word

I Kings 2:15 – “He [Adonijah] said, ‘You know that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel fully expected me to reign.  However, the kingdom has turned about and become my brother’s, for it was his from the LORD.’”

My parents are timeshare owners, so we get invited to a lot of resorts, where we are given great deals to stay and relax.  The only catch is that my parents have to listen to a two hour sales pitch trying to convince them to buy the timeshare.  Fortunately, I never have to listen in on them, since I’m not their target audience.  They could try all they want to appeal to me by offering me cookies, free meals, and other perks, but the final decision of buying the timeshare doesn’t come down to me but my parents.  That is why the salesmen never go after me but after them.  They have the final word.

In our passage today, we also find a person who knew who had the final word but refused to follow it.  To understand this passage, one needs to know some background of what had happened in the chapter before (1 Kings 1).  Adonijah, the fourth son of David, tried to make a play for the throne.  He had won over the priest Abiathar, the commander of David’s army Joab, the elders of Israel, and even many of the kings’ sons.  But the throne had already been promised to Solomon.  David had chosen Solomon to succeed him, because the Lord had already told David that Solomon would follow him and would build the Temple for the Lord.  Surely, Adonijah knew that the throne belonged to Solomon, but instead of humbly choosing to serve, he tried to lead a coup and take over.  Instead of allowing this to happen, David called for Solomon’s coronation and transferred the kingdom to him.  All those who joined Adonijah then fled, leaving Adonijah begging for his life to Solomon.  Instead of killing him though, Solomon told him that as long as he showed himself a worthy man, he would be protected, but if wickedness was found, he would die.  After King David had passed away, Adonijah then tried again to rule but used a more subtle method to try to get the throne (1 Kings 2).  This time he approached Solomon’s mother Bathsheba and asked for the hand of Abishag in marriage.  Abishag was an attendant to King David before he died and marrying her would legitamize his position as an upcoming ruler, so he tried to use deceit to win over the throne.  It was during this request, that Adonijah stated the words found in our verse today, “You know that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel fully expected me to reign.  However, the kingdom has turned about and become my brother’s, for it was his from the LORD.”  Clearly, we can tell from this verse that Adonijah knew that the LORD had the final word and had selected Solomon to be king.  It didn’t matter what the people wanted.  It didn’t matter how he felt about Solomon.  All that mattered was that God had chosen Solomon to be king.  But instead of choosing to follow and obey the Lord’s Word, Adonijah continued to rebel against Solomon, eventually causing Solomon to put him to death (1 Kings 2:19-25).  Adonijah knew who had the final word, he just refused to listen.

Whether you are a Christian or not, God has the final word on everything that goes on in the universe.  He has control of everything from the rocks and trees to our lives.  But He has given each of us the free choice to recognize His sovereignty or not, just as He gave Adonijah the choice to recognize His sovereignty on the decision to make Solomon king.  As disciples of Jesus Christ, we must always recognize and give God the final word in every decision we make whether it be for our careers, our relationships, or even our hobbies.  We may consider the advice of friends and family; we may consider the logical next steps; we may even consider how we feel about a certain situation; but we must never place those considerations over God’s decision for us.  If God has told us to do or not do something, His Word must be final, even if it may not make sense.  There have been many stories in the Bible where that has been the case – Noah building an ark to prevent a world-wide flood, Joshua walking around the walls of Jericho to bring them down, Jesus waiting a couple more days before going to Bethany when He heard His friend Lazarus was deathly ill.  Even when it didn’t make sense, these men chose to obey God and let Him have the final word, and God was glorified in it.  There should be no if’s, and’s, or but’s; there should only be simple, immediate obedience.  When we as Christians gave our lives to Christ, we recognized Him as both Savior and Lord, which meant that He would have the final decision in each part of our lives.  Let us hold true to our choice to give Him our lives and let Him always have the final word.

Quick Note – Proverbs 4:3-9 – Seek for Wisdom

Proverbs 4:3-9 – “3 When I was a son with my father, tender, the only one in the sight of my mother,4 he taught me and said to me, ‘Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live. 5 Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. 6 Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. 7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. 8 Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. 9 She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.’”

People are always pursuing something in life, whether they admit to it or not.  They may be pursuing money or a high career position or a relationship or happiness; whatever it may be, they are looking for something.  As disciples of Jesus Christ, we must constantly ask ourselves the question “What are we pursuing?”  Are we pursuing the temporary things of the world like houses and money?  Are we pursuing a closer relationship with parents or a spouse or children?  Are we pursuing a ministry of some sort?  What is it that we seek after?  Our passage today reminds us of what we should be seeking after – wisdom, which finds it source in God.  Although this passage is found in the book of Proverbs, the words spoken in these verses were not Solomon’s original thoughts, they actually belonged to David who passed them down to his son Solomon.  Solomon must have felt that these words were very important for he wanted to pass them down again to his son.  When you look at the verses, the theme is very clear – “Seek after wisdom.  Pursue her like nothing else.”  Out of all the treasures David and Solomon could have given their sons to inherit, the most important to them was this small yet powerful piece of advice – “Seek after wisdom.”  It is because once wisdom is received, everything else will be taken care of, just look at the various phrases in the passage – “Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you,” “Prize her highly, and she will exalt you,” “She will honor you if you embrace her.”  They knew that true wisdom, if obtained, would help guide every other decision in life.  By getting wisdom first, everything else seemed to align, so their advice to their children was simple – Chase after wisdom.  The next question is then how do we obtain it?  Simply, we can turn to chapter 1 of Proverbs to find the answer in vs. 7 – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.”  To fear the LORD is to have a healthy respect of God; it does not mean to be afraid in horror but to understand the magnificence, power, and position of God and to give the honor that is due Him.  It is in seeking God that we find the first steps in gaining wisdom, for it is from Him that all people receive knowledge and wisdom.  You must first have a relationship with Him, for without that relationship, you cannot have the correct fear of Him.  Next, to obtain wisdom we must follow the advice here to not forsake her, to keep her, to prize her, and to honor her.  We must treat wisdom as the treasure it is and put in all our effort to obtain it.  Wisdom is waiting to come to all who are seeking after it; we just need to take that first step, that initiative to search for her.