Monday, February 27, 2006
Was Solomon plagiarized?
The best known, unknown biblical quote that I know of (besides the misuse of John 3:16) is Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. The Byrds released "Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season)" in 1965 as an adaptation of Solomon's comments on life. I always thought it to be a catchy tune, but from a biblical perspective, an oversimplification of a complex subject broached by Solomon.
Upon further reading, a very simple theme begins to emerge. God is in control of all things and God wants man to enjoy the beauty He has created for him. The problems that arise come from the burden of the knowledge of the great eternity that God has planned for His creation.
Solomon also looks at God's tests of man as a reminder of their place in all things in the creation and universe. Man must understand that no matter what they want and "toil" for, it is all meaningless unless it is what God has actually called them to do. Man's toil and work cannot change the future that God holds for them in his plan.
You may ask, "How does this affect me as a Christian? Does this mean that I am predestined?"
Not exactly. Solomon is writing at a time when the Revelation of Jesus Christ and the saving grace bestowed upon believers was not known. It relates to Christians in the simplest way of all:
"But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. " (Roman 3:21-26)
God revealed His master plan through the death and resurrection of his son Jesus Christ and showed His true love for us. He gave our life true meaning and showed us our place in His plan. He helped us understand that putting our faith the Lord Jesus Christ allows us to fully enjoy His creation. It gave us a little more to look forward to. Now, the meaninglessness of life, the fear of returning to dust and accomplishing nothing, gives way to the hope and a better understanding of our roles in creation. Our acceptance of Christ as our Savior and the corresponding "works" that arise from that acceptance, finally allow us to make our lives meaningful, instead of meaningless, and truly live out God's plan for all mankind.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to truly come to understand my role in Your work. I thank you daily for giving us Your saving grace through your Son, Jesus Christ. May the confidence that you have in all mankind be lived out in my life. Help me to be a good father, husband, friend, and witness to Your love and hope. Give me the wisdom to realize that You are in control, even if we would like to think that we are. I ask this in Your glorious name, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Upon further reading, a very simple theme begins to emerge. God is in control of all things and God wants man to enjoy the beauty He has created for him. The problems that arise come from the burden of the knowledge of the great eternity that God has planned for His creation.
Solomon also looks at God's tests of man as a reminder of their place in all things in the creation and universe. Man must understand that no matter what they want and "toil" for, it is all meaningless unless it is what God has actually called them to do. Man's toil and work cannot change the future that God holds for them in his plan.
You may ask, "How does this affect me as a Christian? Does this mean that I am predestined?"
Not exactly. Solomon is writing at a time when the Revelation of Jesus Christ and the saving grace bestowed upon believers was not known. It relates to Christians in the simplest way of all:
"But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. " (Roman 3:21-26)
God revealed His master plan through the death and resurrection of his son Jesus Christ and showed His true love for us. He gave our life true meaning and showed us our place in His plan. He helped us understand that putting our faith the Lord Jesus Christ allows us to fully enjoy His creation. It gave us a little more to look forward to. Now, the meaninglessness of life, the fear of returning to dust and accomplishing nothing, gives way to the hope and a better understanding of our roles in creation. Our acceptance of Christ as our Savior and the corresponding "works" that arise from that acceptance, finally allow us to make our lives meaningful, instead of meaningless, and truly live out God's plan for all mankind.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to truly come to understand my role in Your work. I thank you daily for giving us Your saving grace through your Son, Jesus Christ. May the confidence that you have in all mankind be lived out in my life. Help me to be a good father, husband, friend, and witness to Your love and hope. Give me the wisdom to realize that You are in control, even if we would like to think that we are. I ask this in Your glorious name, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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