TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 22:15-46
No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions. - Matthew 22:46
TODAY IN THE WORD
George Whitefield, the famous colonial revivalist, once preached on the question, “What do you think about the Christ?”

“[N]umbers that are called after the name of Christ, and I fear, many that pretend to preach Him, are so far advanced in the blasphemous chair, as openly to deny His being really, truly, and properly God. . . . f Christ be not properly God, our faith is vain, we are yet in our sins: for no created being, though of the highest order, could possibly merit anything at God’s hands; it was our Lord’s divinity, that alone qualified Him to take away the sins of the world.”

How people respond to Christ is life’s most important issue, whether they are Phari-sees, colonial Americans, or modern suburbanites. Today, we read the final dialogues between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders.

The first dialogue started with flattery from the Pharisees, followed by their trick question about paying taxes. Jesus had eluded the Pharisees so many times–and they had lost so much face–that they sent their followers, along with some Herodians (their political enemies!). But Jesus taught that we should submit to the proper authorities in our lives.

Next came the Sadducees with a question about marriage. The question was absurd in itself; they showed their mocking attitude because they themselves didn’t even believe in resurrection. Jesus responded that resurrection is a biblical truth. A lack of belief in it reveals that they didn’t know the Scriptures or God (v. 29). His indictment struck at the core of their prideful self-conception!

The Pharisees tried once more, this time asking a meaningful question about the greatest commandment. Jesus’ answer summarized the spirit of the Law: to love God and one’s neighbor is the basic spiritual duty of every worshiper (cf. Deut. 6:5). Here, “love” is agape love–that is, not a feeling of affection, but a chosen, sacrificial devotion.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The Pharisees and other religious leaders had the chance to ask Jesus anything they liked. Unfortunately, they squandered their opportunities with trick questions and hostile motives.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 23:1-39
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. - Matthew 23:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
Scientists have recently uncovered one of the secrets of the brittle star (a relative of the starfish). Its ability to flee from ocean predators, hunt, and change colors from day to night–despite having no eyes–had long puzzled researchers. As it turns out, the brittle star (or serpent star) is itself one enormous eye.

The species of brittle star in question has a skeleton made up of calcite crystals that function like an eye. The crystals give visual information that allows the creature to “see” and respond to its environment. One scientist called them “nearly perfect microlenses.”

Though it appears blind, in fact the brittle star can see with an eye that modern technology cannot match. By contrast, the Pharisees, though they appeared to be the spiritual seers of Israel, were in fact blind guides. As we saw in yesterday’s reading, they rejected Christ and lost many public debates with Him. In today’s reading, Jesus delivered a summary condemnation of how badly they had failed.

The first seven verses give an overview. The Pharisees didn’t practice what they preached. They were hypocrites. They were proud. They pursued human recognition and praise.

The following verses provide an instructive contrast. The preeminence of God as Father and of Jesus as the Master Teacher revealed the values and pursuits of the Pharisees as empty. As we’ve seen in the “first shall be last and the last first” verses, humility is the real test of greatness in God’s kingdom–a truth that the Pharisees neither understood nor practiced.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
After reading Jesus’ fourth woe today (vv. 23–24), you might want to double-check your attitude to stewardship. Do your thoughts and actions reflect the truth that all you have belongs to God? Do you honor Him with the “firstfruits” of your earnings? Do you give generously and cheerfully? Are you open to the Spirit’s leading in this area?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 24:1-25:13
Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. - Matthew 24:42
TODAY IN THE WORD
A surprise publishing phenomenon of the past decade has been the success of the bestselling Left Behind novels. Publishers Weekly called them “the most successful Christian fiction series ever.” ABC News said the books are “fun and engaging, with fast-paced plotting, global drama, regular cliffhanger endings, and what has to be the quintessential villain: Satan himself.”

Authors Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins want the stories to reach a mainstream audience with biblical truth. Even one secular reviewer could see that “the characters are constructed to cause readers to identify with them in their search for meaning and, in time, faith.”

The millions of Left Behind readers who want to know the fate of the world should also have a look at Matthew 24. What does the “end of the age” mean here? Some interpret this phrase generally, as indicating things taking place in the period between Christ’s First and Second Comings. Others interpret it more specifically, as mostly referring to events during the Tribulation or before the Second Coming.

At first, Jesus prophesied the destruction of the temple (A.D. 70), but as the chapter progresses He spoke more and more of the “end times” in our future. What will happen then? False messiahs, wars, and natural disasters will signal the end is near. Believers will be persecuted and some who seemed to believe will fall away. The right response is to stand firm and keep preaching the gospel (vv. 13–14).

The “abomination that causes desolation” (v. 15) is also prophesied in Daniel 9:27 and elsewhere. This specific event will usher in a time of more intense suffering and disasters, and is often dated at the middle of the Tribulation. This was historically prefigured by Antiochus Epiphanes, who put an altar to Zeus in the temple in 168 b.c. (cf. 2 Thess. 2:4).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you knew Jesus would return tomorrow, how would your life change today?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 25:14-46
Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. - Matthew 25:34
TODAY IN THE WORD
The picture of God as a Shepherd is found throughout the Bible. Jacob blessed Joseph in the name of “the God who has been my shepherd all my life” (Gen. 48:15). David, too, called the Lord “my shepherd,” and added, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters” (Ps. 23:1–4). God referred to Himself in the same terms: “As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep . . . I will shepherd the flock with justice” (Ezek. 34:11–16).

To divide sheep from goats is the work of a shepherd, and spiritually speaking, it will be the work of the Good Shepherd (see John 10:1–18). The second story in today’s reading is probably a parable, though some have tried to match it with a specific judgment. Its main point is that we will be held accountable for our actions–the ones listed here are practical and measurable. In the judgment scene, we discover that righteous people did these things out of love, with no ulterior motives. Their good deeds weren’t done to earn “merit points,” but simply revealed their true spiritual condition. By contrast, the unrighteous people were unaware they had missed the boat, but were still judged for their sins of omission. To show love for our brothers and sisters is the same as showing love for Jesus Himself (v. 40)!

The earlier parable of the talents also teaches us to live as people who must one day give an account to our Master. As in the parable of the virgins, He will certainly return and we must keep watch. We must be good stewards of the resources God has given us, including time, money, energy, abilities, and opportunities, using all for the glory of God. A true disciple cannot be spiritually lazy or indifferent, or act based on fear, as the third servant did.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Are you feeling up for a creative project today? If so, we suggest you do your best to illustrate one of the two stories in today’s reading. You might paint a watercolor of a key scene, draw a short comic book of a complete story, or create a montage of images and scenes from a story using, for example, color photos cut out from magazines.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 26:1-35
This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. - Matthew 26:28
TODAY IN THE WORD
During the 2002 World Series, fans voted on the top ten moments in baseball history. According to the balloting, the winner was the day in 1995 when Cal Ripken Jr., broke Lou Gehrig’s “iron horse” record for consecutive games played. It was followed by the 1974 game in which Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s record for career home runs. In third place was the day Jackie Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first African-American player in the big leagues in 1947.

These and other great players made history with their unforgettable actions and achievements. Unfortunately, there are other ways to make history as well, as Judas proved in today’s reading. Though one of Jesus’ inner circle, he chose to betray the Lord. To do so, he went to the religious leaders, who had already rejected Jesus and were plotting to have Him arrested and killed.

In contrast to their hate, we read of the love and honor showed by Mary, the sister of Lazarus (v. 7; cf. John 12:1–11). She anointed Christ’s head and feet with a jar of very expensive perfume. When the disciples “piously” complained that the money could have been given to the poor, Jesus replied that she had anointed Him for His coming burial. Her act was spiritually beautiful and would forever be connected with the preaching of the gospel (vv. 12–13).

Judas and Mary show us two extremes, so we may feel more of a connection with Peter. He would fail the Lord, at the crucial moment denying he even knew Him. But we serve a merciful God, who gives repentant sinners many second chances. Peter would grieve his actions and Jesus would forgive him.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Many American denominations observe communion on the first Sunday of every month. That’s next Sunday, so if this is your church’s practice, prepare your heart by rereading and praying over Matthew 26:17–30 every day this week.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 26:36-27:26
They all answered, “Crucify him!” - Matthew 27:22
TODAY IN THE WORD
A recent report found the United States to be “a cold and uncaring place to die, offering little relief from pain or even sympathy to people in their last weeks and months.” Few Americans die at home, although 70 percent say they would like to. Few hospitals offer hospice or palliative care, designed to make dying patients more comfortable. One in four nursing home residents experiences ongoing, unmanaged pain.

Jesus certainly knew the suffering of a lonely death, and what it means to be abandoned by everybody. But, despite the physical pain, unjust trials, and abandonment by his friends, His actions model for us the way of perfect obedience.

In Gethsemane, Jesus submitted to His Father’s will. This was not a simple matter, but involved strong emotions and intense prayer. Jesus knew exactly what was coming, and in obedience He stepped forward to fulfill God’s Word. He was secure enough in His own and His Father’s power not to use it for short-term relief.

During the trials, Jesus remained quiet, calm, and self-possessed. He did not respond to the leaders’ false accusations because He knew they had already made up their minds, but He did answer truthfully the only meaningful question they asked (26:63–64). To accomplish our redemption, He endured injustice, spite, mockery, and physical torture.

Unfortunately, there were also the negative examples around Jesus, and we can learn from them too. The disciples were too sleepy to pray with Him, and deserted Him when He was arrested. Peter vehemently denied Him. Judas betrayed Him, then committed suicide. The Jewish leaders encouraged lies and cruelty to get their revenge. Pilate ignored both his own observations and his wife’s dream, tried to wash his hands of responsibility, and turned Jesus over to the crowd, who had been easily swayed to become a bloodthirsty mob.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
With your family or small group, plan a special time of worship centered around Christ’s death and resurrection. We’re a bit past Easter, but don’t worry about that. To rejoice in our salvation is always in season!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 27:27-66
When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two. - Matthew 27:50–51
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1963, only about four hundred breeding pairs of bald eagles could be found in the lower 48 states. But today, after a remarkable comeback, bald eagle pairs number more than five thousand–including those in Alaska and Canada, nearly ten thousand. They’ve recently been spotted building nests in Minneapolis, Florida, and Washington, D.C. Said one scientist: “The bald eagle is cited as one of the greatest success stories in endangered species recovery.”

One reason we smile at this good news is because the bald eagle is a symbol of America. We associate the fierce, proud head of this large bird with our nation’s history and character. In a similar way, the Cross is the symbol of our faith, a powerful reminder of Christ’s redemptive sacrifice.

Today’s reading features a large cast for this central drama of history. The Jewish leaders continued to attack Jesus, insulting even His relationship with His Father. The disciples, having run away, were conspicuous by their absence. The Roman soldiers went beyond their orders, torturing and mocking Jesus sadistically and “crowning” Him with thorns. The passersby jeered at Him as He hung on the cross–as if dying weren’t enough–and even the two criminals executed with Him joined in (vv. 39–44).

A few bright rays shine forth from several supporting characters: Simon of Cyrene (modern Libya), plucked from the crowd to carry the Cross, apparently had his life changed forever, since his sons Rufus and Alexander became believers (cf. Mark 15:21; Rom. 16:13). A Roman centurion responded in faith (v. 54). Joseph of Arimathea revealed his “secret discipleship” by claiming Jesus’ body. And several women remained faithful witnesses of all this when no one else did (vv. 55-56).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you have visual reminders of “taking up your cross daily”? We encourage you to make the Cross a concrete, meaningful part of your life through such means as wearing jewelry or displaying paintings in your home. While it is true that these things can be overdone or trivialized, that’s no reason to abandon them altogether. By considering carefully where and how images of the Cross appear in your life, you can remind yourself of Christ’s awe-inspiring sacrifice and recapture the power of this symbol.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 28:1-15
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. - Matthew 28:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
Second-century Christian apologist Justin Martyr wrote a book in which he defended the faith against the arguments of “Trypho, a Jew.” In his Dialogue, Justin accused, “[Y]ou have sent chosen and ordained men throughout all the world to proclaim that a godless and lawless heresy had sprung from one Jesus, a Galilean deceiver, whom we crucified, but His disciples stole him by night from the tomb, where He was laid when unfastened from the cross, and now deceive men by asserting that He has risen from the dead and ascended to heaven.”

A century after Jesus’ death and resurrection, it appears that the lie manufactured by the Pharisees was still in circulation (v. 14). The religious leaders had remembered Jesus’ prophecy of resurrection and asked for every precaution to be taken so that the body would not be stolen. The power of Rome sealed the tomb, but it wasn’t enough!

Following the Resurrection, the Jewish leaders bribed the Roman guards to spread the lie. The soldiers, who could have been severely punished for their negligence, probably reported to the Jews out of fear. To believe that the same disciples who had fled somehow gained the courage to commit a serious crime made no sense, not to mention that sleeping soldiers could not have witnessed the crime . . . but people believe what they wish.

The first witnesses to the Resurrection were the women who had remained faithful. To the news, “He has risen,” they responded with holy fear. They rejoiced because their Master was alive. They obeyed the angel’s instructions, hurrying to share the good news with the remaining eleven disciples. When Jesus Himself appeared to encourage them, they bowed at His feet in worship and humility (vv. 8–10).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Quick quiz: What is the running theme throughout this year in Today in the Word? “God’s Wisdom for Real Life.” That’s one reason we’ve entitled this study of Matthew, “Wisdom of Jesus’ Kingdom.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 28:16-20
Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. - Matthew 28:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, died last July of pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive lung disease. Some of his last words are inspiring:

“Rejoice with me because I am no longer in this earthly tent. I am in the presence of the living God, satisfied at the deepest core of my being. . . . You are a child of the God of the universe. Surrender to Him. Become His slave. I can assure you, after more than 50 years of experience, there is no greater adventure than following Him. He cares for you. Take Him at His Word.”

Last words reveal a person’s character and priorities–the ways by and reasons for which he lived his life. So we should pay close attention to the last words spoken on earth by our Lord Jesus, found at the end of today’s reading.

Before His Ascension, Jesus entrusted to His disciples the command and legacy we know as the Great Commission (vv. 18–20). Its foundation is the authority and presence of Christ. God gave Him all authority, which He demonstrated in His victory over death and sin. To have Him always by our side is a tremendous encouragement and perhaps the ultimate fulfillment of His name, “Immanuel–God with us.”

Because Jesus has all authority, we can and must do what He said: go and make disciples. “Go” implies that movement or change of some sort is required–we think of Abraham and his journey of faith. “Make disciples” means we’re not trying to score mere converts, but to grow and cultivate lifelong followers of Christ. This reminds us that salvation is a holistic process–beginning with justification against the death penalty of sin, continuing with sanctification or progress toward Christ-likeness, and finishing with glorification, the climax of God’s redemptive work.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Before we move on to next month’s study of Ecclesiastes, let’s make sure that the lessons from Matthew have sunk in. Matthew is a Gospel–a message of “good news.” The good news is that Jesus came to save sinners from death, offering us instead the gift of eternal life (John 3:16).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. - Psalm 46:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
In his book, It's Not About Me, Max Lucado celebrated God's love: “Aquifer fresh. Pure as April snow. One swallow slackens the thirsty throat and softens the crusty heart. Immerse a life into God's love and watch it emerge cleansed and change. But who has plumbed the depths of God's love? Only God has. ”˜Want to see the size of my love?' He invites. ”˜Ascend the winding path outside of Jerusalem. Follow the dots of bloody dirt until you crest the hill. Before looking up, pause and hear me whisper, ”˜This is how much I love you' . . . Does God love you? Behold the cross and behold your answer.”

God's infinite love is the best reason for us to trust Him unreservedly, the bottom-line message of today's psalm. He is our refuge and strength (vv. 1-3). It may seem that He's absent in the midst of calamity, but in truth He's “ever-present.” Though the world is crumbling around us, we need not fear because God is with us.

God's presence keeps His people safe. The “river” is a metaphor for the stream of blessings that flows from God's throne to His people (cf. Rev. 22:1-2). Though nations are in uproar and kingdoms fall, God is above it all and firmly in control.

Leland Ryken has described the artistry and power of this psalm as based in its “underlying contrasts: God versus forces of disruption or chaos, the stability of God's presence versus instability in other areas of life, peace of mind versus the things that would induce fear, the destructiveness that characterizes the worlds of nature and human history versus the salvation of God's acts in history.”

God's greatness means that we can rely upon Him as an impregnable fortress (vv. 8-11). As the sovereign Lord, He brings desolation or peace, as He wills. Human strength cannot compare and human wisdom cannot question the ways of the Lord. He will be exalted and worshiped throughout the whole earth!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Memorization is one of the best ways to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom” (Col. 3:16). Even if you think that Scripture memory is a daunting challenge, the blessings of having this entire psalm in your memory will be priceless. This task might begin as mere rote recitation, but as you work to commit these eleven verses to memory, you'll find that God's words have the power to transform your life.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 47
For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. - Psalm 47:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
Socotra, an island of Yemen in the Indian Ocean, is home to some of the most rare plants and trees on earth. The main cause is its unusual weather patterns, ranging from heavy monsoons for several months to hot, desert-like winds the rest of the year. Socotra's ecosystem is incredibly diverse and unique—of the 815 botanical species found on the island, 277 are found only there. One is a kind of cucumber that is actually a tree. Another is the “dragon's blood” tree, the sap of which yields a famous crimson pigment. Many of the plant species have medical applications as well.

Socotra is like a permanent exhibition of the splendor of God's creation. Nature testifies to the glory of God, the “great King over all the earth” (v. 2; cf. Ps. 98:4-9). Today's psalm is an exuberant call to worship Him. In verses 1-4, we're exhorted to clap and shout for joy. Why? Because God is awesome and powerful, the great Ruler, a giver of victory, a keeper of promises, and (most amazing) a lover of His people. There are many qualities for which God should be praised and worshiped, including His sovereignty (vv. 5-9). The best and really only response is for us to worship Him with great joy—singing, playing music, and exalting Him. Not only His people but indeed all the peoples of the earth will do so, for He is above all.

We can see in our mind's eye a procession through the streets of Jerusalem up to the temple—verse 5 signals the arrival—and approaching the Holy of Holies. It's probably a special liturgical occasion, perhaps even a feast day. The entire community has gathered to commemorate and celebrate who God is and what He does. Christians traditionally link this psalm with Christ's ascension or going up into heaven, giving us another upward-moving picture of the Kingship of God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
A great deal of Christian music employs words from the psalms, which through inspired lyrics renews the desire of God's people to praise Him. Today, begin searching out some of these songs, perhaps by looking through the index of a modern hymnbook, reading liner notes from your CD collection, or asking your church's worship director for leads or suggestions. If you wish, try to collect songs specifically based on Psalms 42-72 in order to complement and enrich your devotions this month.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 48
Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain. - Psalm 48:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
In Augustine's classic City of God, the great philosopher and theologian saw history as the stage where God's plans for humanity are played out. While the starting and ending points are known from Scripture, “history” is the drama of what happens in between. The drama focuses on two cities, the City of Man and the City of God. The City of Man is the majority of humanity, dead in their sins and living with self at the center. In the City of God, by contrast, those whom God chooses are alive by grace and seeking His glory as their chief passion. The two cities, which are intermingled in the historical drama, are headed for very different destinations of damnation or salvation.

In today's reading, Jerusalem as the “city of God” symbolizes God dwelling with His people. This psalm is a “song of Zion,” a term referring to the special place Jerusalem and the temple held in Israel's religious life. One of the tortures of the Exile was that these places were far away—the “songs of Zion” could not be sung (Ps. 137:3-4). Though the temple is gone, we still relate to the emotions of these “songs” because now God dwells with and protects His people in an even more personal way through His indwelling Spirit.

Since Zion or Jerusalem is the city of God, its qualities reflect His qualities (vv. 1-8): In the city's citadels, we understand God as our fortress. In its lofty beauty, we see that He is holy and righteous. When it rejoices over God's protection, we find Him sovereign and worthy of praise. At its center is the temple (vv. 9-11), representing God's “unfailing love” and covenant with His people. The enduring glory of the city is not man-made but divine.

We should respond by considering carefully and meditating upon this city—and by implication, God Himself and our relationship with Him (vv. 12-14). This is what the next generation needs to learn!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God's presence is good news in today's psalm, just as “God with us” is the good news at the heart of the gospel. The Incarnation is God's ultimate presence, His ultimate coming to dwell with us. Since good news is meant not only to be enjoyed but also to be spread, pray for an opportunity to share the gospel soon with someone you know. It might be a neighbor, a friend who has shown interest in Christianity, or a complete stranger whom God will bring across your path this week.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 49
God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. - Psalm 49:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
Evangelist D. L. Moody once wrote: “Some day you will read in the papers that D. L. Moody, of East Northfield, is dead. Don't you believe a word of it! At that moment I shall be more alive than I am now! I shall have gone up higher, that is all—out of this old clay tenement into a house that is immortal; a body death cannot touch, that sin cannot taint, a body fashioned like unto His glorious body. I was born of the flesh in 1837. I was born of the Spirit in 1856. That which is born of the flesh may die. That which is born of the Spirit will live forever.”

As today's psalm also demonstrates, followers of God have hope in the face of death. Because the style here echoes biblical wisdom literature and prophecy, the psalm has a long introduction (vv. 1-4) inviting all people to pay attention to a “riddle” that is a universal truth—death.

Since mortality is a sure thing, we do not need to fear prideful, deceitful rich people (vv. 5-9, 16-19). They cannot use their money to bribe God and cheat death, but must come to the end of their days like the rest of us. The psalmist was not saying that all rich people are bad, but it is true that the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Tim. 6:6-10, 17-19).

Death makes no distinctions about wealth, status, or social class (vv. 10-15). People might have followers, fame, and fortune . . . but their future is still death. The key is where we put our faith. The rich people here put their faith in themselves and their money. By trusting in God, however, the writer took hold of eternal life, a “morning” when “God will redeem my life from the grave.” Understanding this ultimate truth is what sets human beings apart from animals (v. 20).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The tone and content of Psalm 49 might remind you of Ecclesiastes. Make time this week to read again through that book of the Bible. There the themes of wealth, death, faith, and the purpose of life are more fully explored and developed. This extra Bible reading should also give you more empathy for the unbelievers that you know, who are trying to live their lives in meaningful ways without knowing or following “the way, the truth, and the life.” Such empathy can help you share the gospel more effectively.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Kings 9:1-9; 11:9-13
Solomon showed his love for the Lord by walking according to the statutes of his father David. - 1 Kings 3:3a
TODAY IN THE WORD
Ecclesiastes begins with the identifying statement: “The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem” (1:1) and ends with the wise admonition: “Fear God and keep his commandments. . . . For God will bring every deed into judgment” (12:13, 14). In between, we find repeated asser-tions that everything in life under the sun is meaningless. Scholars disagree over who wrote this book, but traditionally it has been attributed to Solomon. Even if he didn’t write it, the author seems to have him in mind. Today, we’ll try to understand how it would be possible for the world’s richest and wisest man to look at life with such sadness.

Solomon showed as much promise as any king could ever want. The first half of today’s verse reveals Solomon’s brightest point: he genuinely had a heart for God. But the rest of the verse shows the beginning of what would prove to be Solo-mon’s greatest weakness: he was careless with his worship.

Before building the temple, Solomon and the people of Israel worshiped in the high places, a pagan practice forbidden by God (see Deut. 12:1–6). In His grace, however, God provided an alternative. The first por- tion of our reading describes the fulfillment of God’s promise of His temple, a permanent dwelling place for His Name (1 Kings 9:3).

At this point in Israel’s history, they enjoyed the apparent fulfillment of God’s promises for His chosen people. In addition to a glorious place of worship, Israel enjoyed peace (4:25), prosperity (10:27), and the greatest ruler in the world (10:23, 24). But chapter 9 also includes a stern warning from God: turn from Me, and I will make your nation “an object of ridicule among all peoples” (v. 7). Surely a leader of unrivaled wisdom like Solomon would not be foolish enough to disobey God so blatantly . . . but the second half of our reading proves otherwise.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Seeing Solomon as the example of Ecclesiastes’ sorrowful description of life requires a thorough understanding of just where Solomon was coming from.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ecclesiastes 1:12-18
For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief. - Ecclesiastes 1:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
Growing up on the Mississippi, the mystery and wonder of the river enthralled Mark Twain. In his book, Life on the Mississippi, Twain notes that after realizing his dream of becoming a steamboat pilot and learning to read every detail of the river and its banks, the mystery faded. He compares this loss of wonder to how a physician would see a beautiful woman.

“Are not all her visible charms sown thick with what are to him the signs and symbols of hidden decay? Does he ever see her beauty at all, or doesn’t he simply view her professionally, and comment upon her unwholesome condition all to himself? And doesn’t he some-times wonder whether he has gained or lost most by learning his trade?”

Solomon’s field of expertise was life. He studied “all the things that are done under heaven” (v. 14). So if it’s true that much study yields a bland familiarity–a steamboat pilot can’t see the beauty of a river sunset and a doctor can’t appreciate the beauty of a woman’s face--then Solomon, an expert in everything, should be pitied above all, for he can’t see the beauty of anything!

Even though he admits in verse 16 that his knowledge and wisdom exceeded that of all the rulers Jerusalem had ever known, today’s reading shows the limited boundaries of the wisdom to which Solomon refers. It’s the phrase that’s repeated over and over throughout Ecclesiastes: “under the sun” or “under heaven.” Solomon knew that he could not know God with the same comprehensive wisdom with which he understood life on earth. During his dedication speech for the temple, Solomon acknowledged that God exceeded the confines of even the highest heavens (1 Kings 8:27). So he understood that the world “under the sun” did not encompass the full glory of God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
When examined in small portions, Ecclesiastes might give us a snapshot of wisdom that appears blurry or confusing. To take in the full impact of the wisdom of this book, it’s best to read it through in one sitting. Pay attention to the emotions in the words as you read. Have you ever felt the way the Teacher does about life? Think about what Christ adds to the picture, and how these perspectives and emotions might change. As you go through the day, consider how your outlook on life resembles or differs from the mindset of Ecclesiastes.