Vacation

On Vacation until August 13th. We'll resume with Song of Solomon 4 then. Peace.

The Song of Solomon 3

Chapter 3 seems to begin with the young woman's dream. Her soul loves this wonderful man as she thinks about him on her bed at night. She seeks him but she does not seem to find him at first. She is so desperate for her Lover that she is determined to go out into the streets of the city at night and ask the city watchmen if they have seen him. She is bold in proclaiming her love in front of these men. She says, "Have you seen him whom my soul loves?"

Then she finds him, and like a woman who has found a husband risen from the dead, she is afraid to let him go again. She cannot take the chance that he might leave her, even for a moment. She wants to keep him forever. She brings him to her mother's home. Her love for him has been stirred and it is now the central theme of her existence. She must be with him.

The scene shifts abruptly at verse six. The night is gone. A great entourage can be seen in the distance. Not only is the assembly of horsemen impressive to view as they come, but they are somehow covered with a glorious fragrance that fills the air. Here is the great King Solomon, yet someone greater than Solomon in all his glory seems to be here. He has sixty mighty men with him. His carriage of gold and silver and purple is somehow a place of love. All is great to gaze upon. He has a crown for the day of his wedding and his heart is filled with gladness, as he comes in royal splendor to address his beautiful lover.

The daughters of Zion are called upon to come out and witness these beautiful dream scenes as Solomon prepares to speak. Incidentally, a husband wants to believe that his arrival would seem impressive to his bride, and joyous for everyone. (I remember my father's arrival home at the lake house where we lived during the summers. When he was making the trip to be with us for a long weekend, we would look for his car, and when we saw him we would all shout, "Daddy's home!" He had a hard time believing that this was all for real, but I do suspect that this kind of affection and admiration from our families is something that our hearts desire as men.) God calls wives (and children) to have a deep respect for their husbands (and fathers). Some men make this a more difficult task since they are so weak in spirit, in wisdom, and in usefulness. But not the great husband-king in this inspired song. It is a very easy thing to respect him. His arrival is something to be sought after and to be celebrated.

Jesus instructs us to wait for His return. Throughout the ages even eminent saints have felt that somehow He seemed to be far away from them, and they longed for a greater sense of His presence. But one day every eye will see Him. His return will be both glorious and public. He will come on the clouds of heaven. The trumpet shall sound and the dead in Christ shall rise, and we who are alive at the coming of the Lord, we shall be changed. In the twinkling of an eye our Savior will come in a way that will not be missed.

When Jesus first came, He was brought into this world in a low condition. Yet even then His coming was signaled by a heavenly host praising God. How much more glorious will be His return when he brings the resurrection of the dead with Him.!Then the church will praise Her Lord, and wait for His good word of vindication. And the church shall be purified in holiness, and even openly acknowledged and acquitted when the Lord of glory arrives with His heavenly host. Surely we must not lose heart as we watch and wait for Him today. He is coming soon and will not delay. Until that day, the just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17).

The Song of Solomon 2

As we continue into the second chapter of this dream-like love poem, I am struck that we seem to be in such a different world than that of Ecclesiastes. Yet in reality throughout the world of "vanity of vanities" there were many encouragements to enjoy your wife, though your pleasures may be fleeting in this world below. Here in the Song of Solomon we seem to have entered a place of lasting joy. Though the chapters yet to come will challenge some of that bliss for brief moments, for at least these verses we are seeing something of heaven in the great love of the young woman for her valiant man.

In the last chapter we saw that she had seemed conscious of her lowliness and unworthiness. Now with the renewing strength of her husband's expressions of his desire for her, the chapter begins with her willing acceptance of his delighted appraisal. Will our wives dare to believe that we really do desire them, admire them, and love them? Will we really believe that we are loved by our Lord - that we (the church) are a rich inheritance in the eyes of our God (Eph 1:18)?

In the next verse the man extols his lowly maiden as a lily among all the other women. What joy she again expresses in her man! She is delighted to sit in his protecting shadow. She speaks of his intimate embrace as a woman who is overcome with love-sickness thinking of her man.

It is hard to tell what is real and what is the exploration of desire or fancy as the verses proceed. This superhuman shepherd-king is heard and known by his voice as he is bounding through forests and leaping over mountains and then is suddenly gazing through her window. What is he saying to his love? He calls her his "beautiful one" and he has come to her to woo her - to lead her away with him. He wants her in the freshness of springtime. He wants to see her face. He wants to hear her voice. Anything that will endanger or spoil their adventure of love (little foxes) will be trapped and put away. They must be in a world of beauty together at the rebirth of a new earth.

They are for each other, and they must be together. Nonetheless, when the night is over he will leap away again as a majestic stag who seems to break mountains in two as the dawn's first light shines. This is the very best man. He loves his wife. He delights in her. He rushes to her. He woos her. He says the right things, and he is a man, a man who seems to have the power to move the natural world at his will. This great man loves her!

Husbands should seek to be great men of faith, righteous men whose prayers make a difference, men who are not only hearers of the word, but who are also doers of the word, men who understand the times and are both spiritual and practical. Great men like this are needed and such men should greatly desire their wives. Every woman of God should have such a great man and should know that he wants her. He comes to her in strength, but with true love for her. He pursues her and finds her, and she feels so blessed to be loved by such a man. This man will never be harsh or cruel to his wife, and God will hear his prayers (1 Peter 3:7).

Where can a man like this one be found? Where is the hero who comes bounding through the forest with desire for his lover, who spends a day and a night as her everything, and then rises again with power - off to do good things in the land beyond? There is only one such man - a man who is far greater than any other man. He accomplishes everything with a word. He is powerful and loving. His wisdom is beyond compare, and He comes from a far country to rescue His bride even at the cost of His life. But when the dark night is spent He rises again with healing in his wings. He is the bright morning star, and He loves His church.

What a great man Jesus is! To think that we are loved by such a man! How blessed we are! Like the love-sick maiden of this song, the praise of our Lord should be on our lips, and we should always be impressed with our Savior, who is greatest of all husbands.

The Song of Solomon 1

It has become common for commentators to reject a "Christ and His church" interpretation of this biblical poem of love. To hold to the old position of the Puritans is said to be taking too allegorical an approach in understanding the Scriptures. As we begin our eight message journey through this rich and challenging book, I need to freely admit that whenever I encounter a love between a man and a woman, whether within the pages of Scripture or not, I think that it is right for me to think about the ultimate of faithful marital love, to think about the way that God has cleaved to His people, embracing them in an intimacy and faithfulness. Furthermore, when I hear of even a bad king and his subjects, I think it right for our minds to consider the best of all kings. Therefore, when I encounter a book or a song in the Bible (such as Psalm 45) about a King with a husband's love for his submissive and adoring bride, I would consider it strange to miss the obvious biblical analogy.

Of course this does not mean that the Song of Solomon is not also about one man and one woman brought together in the intimacy of conjugal love. Why should we reject that obvious meaning in order to consider the greatest of all loves? So we will find room for both ways of looking at this song. It is a book about one man and one woman, and a book that naturally points us forward to the greatest story of love ever known, that of the Messiah King and His perfected church.

One more word of introduction: this book is very difficult to follow, at least for me. I will follow the notes of the ESV translation that suggest who the likely speaker is at ever point based on the grammatical clues available in the original Hebrew. Like the Book of Revelation, I think we could head into unprofitable speculation if we try to interpret every detail of the book too closely. The language is sensual. It is not so much a clear story line as a book of scenes that are to be felt and appreciated. Here is a great love expressed in powerful imagery and emotion, not a historical account of a battle or a doctrinal lesson in a point of theology.

This song is identified as Solomon's in the opening verse. I take this son of David to be the man in this relationship. The first chapter introduces us to a young woman, but also to a chorus of others who comment on the love between Solomon and the young woman. Other characters will appear in future chapters.

The young woman is delighted with the thought of the love of her man (2-4). The chorus joins her in rejoicing over this anticipated love (4). This is followed by a note on the part of the woman that there may be something wrong with the darkness of her skin or her physical beauty (her vineyard). There may be something questionable about her family relations, and her poverty that would disqualify her from the close association with her lover-king which her heart greatly desires (5-7).

The man extols her great beauty in his eyes and invites her to follow in the tracks of his flock. This king seems to be a shepherd. He uses animal analogies that must have been appropriate for the time and the place of the author to speak highly of the woman (8-10). The chorus is supportive of the beauty of the humble woman (11).

The remainder of the first chapter moves from the words of the woman, then to the man, and back again to the woman in poetic description of the intimate attractiveness of the man to the woman and the woman to the man. Everything is fragrant, beautiful, and delightful. They will be together and all will be well (12-17).

May God grant to us always this kind of freshness and wholesome joy in our love for our life companion and close friend. When we are able to thank him for giving such a great gift to unworthy sinners, may our thoughts be brought still higher to the wonder that the King of glory, who is greatly to be desired, speaks about His love for us in such a wonderful way, that we are assured that some day we will be perfected in holiness.

The church desires her great King and is desired by Him. He has laid down His life to bring about a marriage that will be eternal and wonderful. What will this life of bliss be like? We cannot really say. But God determined to explain it to us, at least in part, through entering upon the sacred pages of the Bible this wonderful poem of love.

Morning Devotion - Eccl 12

Read Ecclesiastes 12

"Remember your Creator." This is the solemn word that Qoheleth gives to his son. Your old age is coming and beyond that your death looms. While you are young you may foolishly think that those days are so far off that they can be easily ignored, but this is not wise.

A time is coming when your pursuit of pleasure will not be as pleasurable. Then your eyes will not take in what is beautiful as well as they once did. Then your hands will tremble, and you will find it difficult to stand up straight. One day some of your teeth will be gone, and your sleep will be disturbed by the smallest sound, though your ears will fail you once you are awake. Your mind will be full of fears in those days because you will be quite aware that your death is near. In that day you will fear death even though your experience of life will be burdensome.

Finally the end for you will actually come. The analogies Qoheleth uses to refer to death have a severity about them. The silver chord is snapped. The golden bowl is broken. The pitcher is shattered. The wheel will no longer spin at all. All is now beyond repair, for you have reached the destiny of all men. Your body that came from dust finally returns to the earth, and your immortal spirit returns to God who gave it to you while you were being formed in your mother's womb.

But what will be your destiny in that day when your spirit returns to God? Remember your Creator today before it is too late. Don't wait until you have been diagnosed with dementia to decide that you should consider the things of God.

Finally we return to our opening motto. "Vapor of vapors, says the gatherer of the Lord's assembly; all is a fleeting vapor." These words have a powerfully sobering effect after these 12 chapters of consideration of the human condition. We should be running again to the center of the center of this book. Is there something that will stand the judgment of God? Only the person and work of the Messiah who has made an unchangeable vow to gather and perfect the church, a vow which He will most certainly keep. You must be found in Him. Your life, your work, your wisdom must be in Him, for He has conquered death.

Qoheleth will soon be finished. He was a great man. He wrote many wise and delightful proverbs, but that did not change the fact that he too faced the day of death. If there was good that would come through his words, it is because they were the wisdom of the One Shepherd. Hopefully these nails of truth will yet make their mark on the conscience of many a son. The book of Ecclesiastes must end, just as the flesh of man must one day give up in weariness.

Hear the final conclusion: "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil." Draw near to Christ today. Receive His gift of perfect righteousness by faith. And work the works of one who has heard and believed the truth by the grace that comes from God. Be wise and live.

Morning Devotion - Eccl 11

Read Ecclesiastes 11

This brief chapter examines the way of wisdom in a life where there is much that we do not know. As we move toward the conclusion of the book in the next chapter, Qoheleth seems to be directing his thoughts toward a younger man called "my son" in the closing verses of Ecclesiastes. It is one of the challenges of youth that this fact is not frequently considered until we have faced more years of life. What is the wise way for us to live our lives in the face of our overwhelming ignorance of the important details of God's unfolding providence?

The chapter begins with an instruction to be generous. What seems like a meaningless casting away of your bread upon the waters today has a way of coming back to your own aid in a future day that you cannot yet see. God has made you like a cloud full of rain today (a good thing for a dry land below). Do what a decent rain cloud should do. Give forth life-giving water so that the ground that needs your resources can prosper and be fruitful. You do not know when the storm will come that will bring down the tree of your life. May it be when you are about the work of living generously. Be up and about the work of generosity as a matter of personal responsibility. See it as a field of opportunity that must be actively tended. You do not know whether you will prosper more from the business of generosity or from the planting and gathering of your own wheat and your corn. Perhaps both will go well.

Enjoy the light while you can still see. The pleasures of it are fleeting, but to be enjoyed. But remember, young man, that God will bring you into judgment. Do not seek trouble or suffering, but do not foolishly imagine that the pleasures will never end that God gives you every day here below. These early years of your life are quickly gone, and you do not know the day of your death, just as you do not know the day when you might need the generosity of a friend or neighbor who you once had the opportunity to help.

We think that we know everything and that we have our destiny in our own hands. Our lives begin in the womb of our mothers. Secretly the Lord causes the spirit of life to come to the tiniest of human beings. Can you explain the union of the spirit and the flesh in this youngest one among men? You say, "I do not know how that happens." You are right about that, and you also do not know the secret providences of God that will unfold in His future works that will make up the challenges and opportunities of your life.

Blessed be God who gives life and who knows all His wonderful decrees. Blessed be God who knows the need of His beloved children even before we are born. Blessed be our generous God who took action on our behalf and sent His Son to us as the Bread from Heaven. Blessed be the One who knew that He was walking toward the day of His death, who could have called upon legions of angels to slay his rude enemies in a moment of deserved destruction, but who instead faced death for our sakes that we might live securely in His presence forever.

Cast your bread upon the water, today. You do not know if this day will be your last in this fleeting world. Thanks be to God for the assurance that we have of eternal blessing in heaven because of the incomparable generosity of the One who saved us.

Morning Devotion - Eccl 10

Read Ecclesiastes 10

In chapter 7 as we moved into this cycle on the pursuit of wisdom, we were given many insights and illustrations regarding wisdom and folly in a world of sin. Now on the way out of this cycle in the parallel passage that makes up chapters 10 and 11 we have more sayings and analogies on wisdom and folly. Many of these point to the distressing power of folly, and the challenge of folly in high places.

A little folly unfortunately goes a long way. Perfume is made to produce a wonderful scent, but just a few dead flies can make it stink. In the same way just a little bit of folly can overwhelm much wisdom and honor. The truth is that most of us have more than just a little bit of folly. We don't have to search very far to find it, since folly can be spotted in a fool when he is simply walking along the road.

Such a fool may even have been raised to a position of prominence and power. It is best to be aware of the dangers of such a situation, and to keep a tight reign on your emotions and conduct, for your own folly or the folly of a ruler can quickly lead to your demise. The fact is that there are many fools that are set in high places, and they are not without the power to bring you low.

Even in the process of attempting to do things that seem to be orderly and productive, we can be quickly struck by the power of folly. Like a snake that is not quite charmed yet, or an ax that is not as sharp as it should be, or a random animal or falling log, folly is all around us when we try to do something that we think is wise or worthwhile. We are not wise to pretend that the world is a place where we are safe from the danger of folly. We are surrounded by foolish lips, and are not above the disease ourselves. A little foolishness can quickly be multiplied into a torrent of raving madness.

This is particularly the case when whole societies seem to have been given over to madness, when those who should be low are placed in the position of rule. Such men exercise their power and use their resources to satisfy their own base lusts. They have no sense of time, place, or position. They rise up in the morning and gorge themselves with food and drink. They would solve every need and fulfill every desire with the wealth of the kingdom that has been placed in their hands. Even so, you are a fool if you quickly speak against them, not recognizing that they have been placed in a position of power and can do you much harm.

There is much to be said for not saying much. We see this kind of restraint in our Lord as He is placed in the hands of religious and civil rulers who have more than a few flies worth of folly mixed into the ointment of their words and deeds. His words and ways were always pure. Sometimes that required saying nothing at all. Sometimes it meant making a judicious exit in the midst of a murderous crowd. Often it meant that even his acts of goodness he did in an amazingly quiet way.

All this he did with perfect wisdom, even when at just the right time he was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, he opened not his mouth. At just the right time He was cut off from the land of the living. We now see his marvelous wisdom in submitting to the folly of friends and rulers who consented to his unjust death. He was making His soul an offering for sin. This was the day that the Lord had made, the day when the sacrifice was bound with cords to the altar.

How often do we say foolish things, and find ourselves tied up in the net of our own words and deeds. Thanks be to God, who through Christ has rescued us from much folly through his own blood.

Morning Devotion - Eccl 9

Read Ecclesiastes 9

The wisdom of God is beyond us. This simple point from the end of chapter eight is central to our service of God.

Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 When I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done on earth, how neither day nor night do one's eyes see sleep, then I saw all the work of God, that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. However much man may toil in seeking, he will not find it out. Even though a wise man claims to know, he cannot find it out.

From that central observation we now begin our journey out of the third cycle of the book, the section that especially deals with the pursuit of wisdom. In chapter eight we had an observation about kings and then about joy. We hear two different but parallel observations in chapter nine which come to us in the reverse order as we head toward the conclusion of the book.

First, concerning joy, it is a gift from God that is to be enjoyed, despite the fact that all men are headed toward the grave. Even the righteous and wise will face death. The same looming event happens to all men. Though that we are in the sovereign hand of an almighty and personal God, we experience our lives as those who seem to be in the grip of time and chance, with only the certainty of death at the end. Yet we have bread, wine, garments, oil, a wife, work, thought, knowledge, and wisdom given to us in this fleeting world from the God who is able to accept us and our works. Bodies in the grave cannot enjoy these good gifts, so enjoy them today.

Second, concerning kings, Qoheleth makes another observation about kings in this futile world. that a poor wise man can have more power by wisdom than a great king, though everyone may forget the wisdom of the poor man. This is part of the fleeting frustration of the present age. The key player in saving a city from the power of a great king may be a wise poor man who is easily forgotten. A man's best deed might actually do more to preserve life and joy than all of the loud speeches of the famous, but this does not guarantee that the key idea that was softly spoken will be remembered. The wise advice might save the day, but the man who was in fact instrumental in these critical events may be quickly forgotten.

A man can live his life in a vain attempt to cling to what cannot be kept. A man can long for recognition from his fellows and it seems to elude him. At the end of it all he seems to have nothing left and is soon forgotten by history. If he lives long enough, even the people who might tell great stories at his funeral may all be gone. Two of the most admirable people I have every met, great in their service of God and man, had almost no one at their funerals. Even the man who seems to make his mark is soon forgotten, but few seem to even rise to that level.

If this present life were everything, what an injustice and futility it would all seem to be. How is it that anyone could have hope? Yet we do have not only the temporary joys of the good things that God gives to us day by day, but also the "solid joys and lasting treasure" known by Zion's children. Because the Lord of heaven has come as a poor man, because he has given up all earthly joys including his own life in the accomplishment of his sacred covenant task, now we have a sure hope that cannot be taken away from us. Because of the wisdom and power of Jesus, our labor in the Lord is not in vain, and even our death is precious in the Lord's sight.

Today remember the fact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and remember the promise that He is the first to rise among what will be a great resurrection host. Enjoy the good gifts of God, even doing your small part for peace, order, and goodness, knowing that the suffering that we face here below is not worthy to compare with the unfading glory which shall one day be revealed.

Morning Devotion - Eccl 8

Read Ecclesiastes 8

The prior chapter began the body of the third and final cycle of this book. There we saw the problem of sin. Wisdom in suffering is better than the pleasures that we crave because we live in a world of sin. Yet you are not to seek out suffering as a righteousness extremist, because you would only destroy yourself, just like a person who would dedicate his life to the pursuit of wickedness would die before his time. Here again there is a realization that we live in a world of sin and misery, and that we need to learn how to navigate as peacefully and profitably through this vain world as those who fear God and are the beneficiaries of His merciful and powerful work through Jesus Christ.

This is a very wise insight. Living in the light of this truth involves an awareness that in this fallen world God has ordained systems of human power, systems that are populated by sinners, but that these people are not safely resisted or ignored. In the eighth and ninth chapter we have two sections that speak of kings and two sections that speak of joy despite the inevitability of death for both the righteous and the wicked. In the eighth chapter the order is kings and then joy, and in the ninth chapter the order is joy and then kings. At the end of the eight chapter is the insight that is the main point of this section of the book.

First, concerning kings, you need to be aware that God has made things such that man has power over man. The word of the king is supreme among men, and you cannot say to the powerful, "What are you doing?" There is a time and a way for everything, and the servants of the Lord who navigate their way through this world under the sun need not only to be as innocent as doves, they also need to be as wise as serpents. More on kings in the ninth chapter.

Second, concerning joy, recognize that it will not ultimately go well with the wicked, but the timing of justice may not be easy for you to understand. Sometimes the lives of the righteous are cut short, and the sentence against a wicked man is not executed speedily. Despite these puzzling providences and your own coming death, you should enjoy the gifts that you have
been given by God in the midst of your toil under the sun. More on joy in the ninth chapter.

Verses 16 and 17 are at the center of this third cycle on the pursuit of wisdom.

Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 When I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done on earth, how neither day nor night do one's eyes see sleep, then I saw all the work of God, that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. However much man may toil in seeking, he will not find it out. Even though a wise man claims to know, he cannot find it out.

Even a wise man who thinks that he has figured out all the workings of this life is wrong in his assessment. He cannot find it out. God has made our lives to be beyond us, beyond our own ability to finally figure it all out. This does not mean that we are permitted to embrace folly and abandon our pursuit of wisdom. It does mean that we should not rest in a false confidence that we can fully understand the providence of God.

Our Lord, through whom all things were made, and who governs all things through the Word of His power, entered into such a world. In His human nature He is aware that He does not know the time of the culmination of all things. In that human nature he grew and became strong. "Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered." (Hebrews 5:8)

In His divine nature, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The wisdom and knowledge of God admit no possibility of variation. It is marvelous that He entered this world and died on a cross under the authority of a human ruler here below for our salvation. The exalted Christ, fully human and fully divine, knows the beginning from the end. Let us fear God, and humbly live in the order of the world that He has created, trusting that He will accomplish all of His perfect plan, and remembering the love of the cross.

Morning Devotion - Eccl 7

Read Ecclesiastes 7

In Chapter 7 we now move past the introduction of the final cycle of the book and into the body of what Qoheleth has to say about the pursuit of wisdom. I find the structure of this third cycle the most difficult to discern. Perhaps there is something fitting here in the form of the author’s remarks that matches his message throughout this cycle: that the wisdom of God is unfathomable.

The seventh chapter includes both the observations that come from inquiry after wisdom, and the practical instruction that follows from endeavors to understand life. In all of this there is the note of surprise that things are not what people commonly assume them to be. The chapter opens with a series of these surprising observations. Man seems to naturally prefer things that make a body comfortable, and things that are emotionally enjoyable, but these are not actually the best things for us.

Man wants life, but death is better. Man wants a wedding feast, but the house of mourning is better. Man wants laughter, but sorrow is better. Man wants frivolity, but a wise word of correction is better. Man wants to be proud, but patience is better. In all of this we should be able to enjoy these lesser gifts as they are given, while yet possessing the wisdom to discern that they are lesser gifts.

There is something about the human condition that makes these surprising facts true, though few seem to grasp these matters very much at all. Verse 14 gives this insight into the good use of both the pleasant and the difficult: “In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.” There is something in the way that God has made things that leads to limits, to adversity, to frustration, and hopefully to some measure of insight and humility. Life is a complex matter that is to be enjoyed in simplicity, but with some measure of wisdom that recognizes the importance of the sting of suffering.

What is the limit of the human condition that makes all of this so? It seems to be our inescapable unrighteousness. It is because of our sin that we need the day of mourning more than the day of feasting. “Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.” In specific, Qoheleth seems to be reflecting on his own life experience when he recognizes that the delight of a man in a woman may lead to a mortal wound because of our sin and the sin of this other human being. “I find something more bitter than death: the woman whose heart is snares and nets, and whose hands are fetters. He who pleases God escapes her, but the sinner is taken by her.” Beyond this one example of the root problem of man, we are given at the end of the chapter a more general statement of our problem: “God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes.”

We have seen much in this book about the problem of death, but now the pursuit of wisdom forces us to grapple with the sinfulness of our hearts. It is because of this that suffering can be better for us than joy. Imagine the indescribable joy of finding a way out of our own scheming desires. Imagine a door out of the depravity of the human heart that would lead us into a new world where righteousness reigns perfectly in every soul. This is what Jesus Christ has accomplished for us. Our hope in the resurrection of the dead is not just the achievement of unending life; it is the attainment of a whole new kind of life, a life without sin. What makes the resurrection our best hope rather than a horrible nightmare is that we and all who are citizens of that new world will be perfected in holiness. Jesus Christ is the only door to this new world of universal righteousness.

To deliver us from the bondage of the current order, the Man of Righteousness came. He was the One among thousands of thousands of thousands who did not seek out wicked schemes. He never sinned. He always did good. He was the One righteous man. He came to face the day of adversity for us. The day of His death was a horrible day of sorrow brought about by our own sin. This one worst of all days has now become for us better than thousands of days filled with the best pleasures that this life can offer. To see this day of the cross rightly and brightly is true wisdom.

Because of the proclamation of the gospel, finding this wisdom has in some sense become a very obvious and easy matter. Nonetheless, we would simply run from this greatest of all gifts if God had not given us a heart that was renewed and ears that can hear. This is how serious our sin problem is, but this problem has been decisively addressed. The Lord Jesus Christ has conquered not only death for us, but also sin.

Morning Devotion - Eccl 6

Read Ecclesiastes 6

Ecclesiastes 6:1-7 is the wrap-up of the middle cycle of the book, the cycle about the futility of man's labors. The remaining verses in chapter six are the introduction to the final cycle. As with the introductions to the earlier two cycles, the same themes are repeated for us again as we enter the final cycle on the futility of man's pursuit of wisdom.

The specific issue addressed in the opening of chapter six (1-7) is the problem of abundance. This is ironic, because no one thinks of abundance as a problem. Earlier in this cycle we considered the problem of scarcity. That kind of problem people can appreciate... too little money, too few friends, not enough food to eat. Normally we think that if we had more of what we can get under the sun, then we would be able to enjoy life.

The fundamental issue is still death. Who can conquer it? What if God gives you wealth beyond your wildest imagination, but you do not have the time to enjoy it today and your life is taken away before tomorrow comes? How many people live for retirement, but sickness or the loss of a spouse never allow them to live out their dreams? Think of the Romanian despot of the 20th century who built for himself the largest palace in the world, but never got to sleep in it for even one night. Before it was finished he had been executed by his own people. How many buildings built as special places by corporate or political leaders are today being occupied and used by people who opposed them? Not only was the wealthy man unable to enjoy these things, but his enemy regularly informs visitors who it was who originally built this for him, and they all laugh. Of course, do not laugh too loudly, because you do not know who will take possession of the property after you are gone, or if the property will instead be an albatross rather than a jewel.

What about many children and a long life? How many people throughout history have had these kind of gifts from God, yet when their lives are over they are hated more than admired, and are not even given a proper burial? Who can observe such things without wondering about the big question of meaning? The ultimate problem of death, or the more immediate symptoms of the scarcity of time and the loss of love or respect from those who matter most to us more than erase all the victories that we thought that we had through accumulation. Better a stillborn child, says Qoheleth. What a brutal shock!

After this conclusion to the middle cycle we get ready for the final cycle with a familiar chorus. The words are somewhat different but we recognize the same themes. There is no profit, no progress, and no legacy for man under the sun. Even the pursuit of wisdom will not ultimately satisfy us.

The answer to the brutal honesty of Ecclesiastes 6 is that the Son of God has conquered death for us. His cross work involved the cutting short of his life. Jesus did not have abundance of possessions. He had no descendants. He had wisdom that no one was able to understand, and at the end of his life a mob who had witnessed his miracles shouted for his death. But by that one death he defeated death for us. He has won eternity, an abundant life of eternity, for a posterity of millions who own His name. They are willing to take whatever reproach may come to them today, simply to own the name "Christian." This is an amazing victory that more than swallows up the futility of this world and leaves us with the gift of hope - a hope that is not afraid to hear an honest assessment of the futility of even the most abundant life that could be lived under the sun. Even such a life will run into the problem of death . But Christ has conquered death for us.

Week 2 - Ukraine - 1st Church

Sasha's parents and little brother Maxim, in front of their beautiful new home and church which will be the headquarters for the Presbyterian movement in this part of the Ukraine.

More pictures from week 1

Ovi with Julie

Some Pictures from Romania - Week One

Two Romanian men on holiday
...
or maybe two American lawyers.







Mihai and Ionel










Team with some Romanian friends








family helped by RCE

Trip Log

Romania and Ukraine Mission 2007

Tuesday, June 26 through Wednesday, June 27

Our Presbytery team (Bruce and Betsy Johnson, Julie Kyle, Dave Herrod and I) left Exeter for New York City, then Milan, then Timişoara, then Valea Draganalui, the site of the conference on Christianity and Society.

Thursday, June 28

Approximately 150 guests at the conference began to arrive. These included mayors and other political leaders, many pastors and ministry leaders. There were more Christians then I expected. Hong Key Chung, our host, had many people extend greetings to the assembled guests. This was a nice feature, and something different than what we might expect at a similar American gathering. People from each denomination greet everyone. People from each region greet everyone. People who are known leaders greet everyone.

I was surprised to find out that among those present were three relatives of Costin Şuster, our long-time friend and partner in Romanian ministries. The first plenary session was a very forceful, professional, and entertaining presentation of biblical roles within the family. I was struck by the clarity of the message from this Romanian pastor, who has written extensively on this topic.

Later that afternoon our team gave our first seminar presentations: Dave on trials, Bruce and Betsy on peace-making, Julie on being a single Christian, and me on European and American examples of family leadership. All of us felt like these went OK, but we were not entirely satisfied with our first efforts.

Ionel and Mihai Szuroka, two of our Romanian family, arrived. They wanted to attend the conference very much. They shared a dorm room with Dave and me. That evening the four of us took a walk around the village where the conference was held.

Friday, June 29

In the morning we had the 2^nd plenary session of the conference. It turns out that Costin’s uncle was giving the presentation on the topic of Christian interaction with society. After a short break I gave the next talk on the importance of the doctrine of the Fatherhood of God for individuals, families, churches, and the world at large. I was able to present some of the material on “non-practicingism” as contrasted with Calvinism.

Later we all gave our small group seminars a second time. We all felt that they went better, since we allowed more opportunity for interaction in that smaller setting.

John Ashcraft gave an excellent talk on four things that we need to emphasize in our current environment: 1. Nobility, 2. Humility, 3. Integrity, and 4. Availability. The attendees really appreciated his presence at the conference.

After dinner Dave, Julie, Ionel, Mihai, and I took a walk on a mountain road. We met an old man resting at a small orthodox shrine tucked away on that path. We were somewhat confused in our communications with him, and I think that I accidentally purchased some fresh milk that we did not take delivery on. I also got to talk to Candy using Hong Key’s phone, which was a great thrill. It was not a great connection, but at least it was something – enough of a conversation to let her know that I missed her and that everything was going very well.

Saturday, June 30

We had the final plenary session of the conference, with General Ashcroft singing several songs at the request of the crowd and adding some brief remarks on the importance of human responsibility for bringing about justice in society. The day was filled with excellent interactions with many Romanians. The boys got a ride to Cluj from a vacationing couple from Baia Mare who were attending the conference. They took the train home from Cluj. It was great to see them.

Our team took the train from a nearby village to Arad, with our Romanian friend Ciprian as our guide. We enjoyed lots of theological discussion on the train, with yours truly doing much pontificating… We were met in Arad by Ovi Martin, the Romanian director of Romanian Christian Enterprises. The group was distributed over three host homes. Dave and I stayed with Ovi, his wife daughter, and their three girls.

Sunday, July 1 – Tuesday, July 3

I preached at two Baptist churches on Sunday. As always, I seem to feel better about things the second or third time I get to speak. I’m thinking that I need to pretend that I have already spoken once here whenever I get to a new city, and then all will go well J.

For the next two days we were given a wonderful introduction to the ministry in Arad. This was the second time for me, which was a great joy. I was able to visit several families in their homes that I had met five years ago and to see their progress with the help of this good ministry. Along the way we enjoyed delicious meals with many friendly people, including both staff and clients of RCE.

It was hard to keep up with Ovi… Here is a man who is being used by God in a wonderful way. His wife Doina and Mimi and Carmen and the entire staff are a great joy. It added a lot to have Scott Brown from the US with us. Scott is on the Board of RCE.

RCE has various ministries (Sunshine School, Darius House, Cottages for Disabled Children, Love Houses, Care Ministry, etc… I am especially impressed by their efforts to help families of faith stay together when they are facing sudden severe economic stress. That was something of a theme of this particular trip for me. In most cases I think it is best if there is some way to keep families together, even when the situation in that household is not optimal. Many of the above ministries have to do with education, housing, and care of children with mild to severe handicaps. This is good work.

We received a hands-on opportunity to help when each of us was assigned one child as we took some of the children for a morning at the park. That kind of experience really helps you to appreciate the challenges that workers face in these situations.

We ended Tuesday at a Romanian Pizza Parlor where Ovi, Dave, Scott, and I were discussing ways that we might be able to help RCE in the future as those who have really been touched by this ministry. I am sure that Julie, Bruce, Betsy, and Doina were also discussing something very important, I just was not at that table J.

Wednesday, July 4

I had hoped that I might be able to return home with the rest of the group, but apparently the Lord had another plan. They went back to New England, and I took an all-day train to Suceava, in the northeastern part of Romania (not too far from Roman). Already I am seeing the Lord’s hand as Ovi and I discussed ways that RCE might be able to hire Ionel and Mihai as summer interns.

My host in Marginea (a very picturesque village not far from the Ukranian border) is Ionel Bodarnescu, a man I have now met for the second time. He is a contact of Hong Key’s and is part of the Lord’s Army, a renewal group for approx. 100 years that has been loosely connected with the Romanian Orthodox church. Ionel and his whole family are wonderful hosts, and now, dear friends.

Thursday, July 5 – Saturday, July 7

Ionel drove to the Ukranian border, where an Italian couple drove me through Ukranian Customs to the border city of Chernotz. There I was met by Mykola Faryga, and Roman and Sasha. This was a wonderful two days with the Farygas and Savchuks. The work of starting the Presbyterian movement in this part of the world is very exciting. There is a deep appreciation for reverent worship, biblical ministry, and solid theology that is in evidence in everything that this new group is doing. RC Sproul has been such a blessing in these important areas.

With over 60 theological classics translated into Ukranian and some very exciting plans for the future, Mykola, Ivan, and the entire team are being greatly blessed by the Lord. The site of their almost completed home/church is wonderful. I was able to sit in on one of their orchestra practice sessions as they prepare to use majestic classical music in future worship services.

Roman and Sasha are doing well. It was great to see them. I can see the wisdom of their return to the Ukraine, and I was very privileged to get a first hand tour of the village from the boys. On Saturday morning Mykola drove me back to Chernotz. During the drive I was able to hear more of the story of his journey of faith from communism to RC Sproul. It is quite an exciting account of God’s grace. I was picked up in Romania again by my friend Ionel, and spent the rest of the day preparing for preaching tomorrow.

Sunday, July 8 – Tuesday, July 10

I preached at a Pentecostal church in the morning, a Lord’s Army church in the late afternoon, and then finally at a Baptist church. Ionel’s niece Simona, an English student from the University at Timisoara, was my translator at all three services. At the end of the day we visited the home/factory of a Pentecostal friend who employs over 500 people at his shoe factory. Every Sunday night he sings Pentecostal hymns with some family and friends with an accordion and an open microphone. People from the area seem to like to come by and listen. As you know, I enjoy singing too…

The next day we drove to Suceava where we visited an impressive Christian school (reminds me of PCA in Dover). This sort of thing is very rare in Romania. They are ministering to some very poor families in one of the most challenged regions of Romania near the border with Moldova. The students live at the school and are educated there. Most people here grow their own food. Unfortunately, to BUY food for students is remarkably expensive here (more than US). It will cost the school approximately $180 per month to pay for each student’s food! They do not know where the money is going to come from, and September is fast approaching.

We prayed there, and they asked me to think of people in the US who may be able to help. Ionel feels that this is a very important ministry for the Suceava area.

I then was interviewed by a Christian radio station about what it is like to have a church that is committed to missions. We were able to discuss the recent trip to Kampala, as well as some things that we have done in Romania.

That night after dinner Ionel drove to the train station, and I began an all night ride to Timişoara, from where I am writing you these notes. I am at the home of a pastoral friend of Hong Key’s called Ben-Oni. He is a very impressive and busy young man who is making a mark on this city and country. He translated for me at the conference.

Tomorrow I begin my journey home. I am eager to see my wife, children, and church. Thank you for your prayers and your love and support. Keep praying!