I returned and saw under the sun that— The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill;
But time and chance happen to them all.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11)

In the preceding verse (Ecclesiastes 3:10) the Preacher exhorts us to give all our power to the endeavors of life, because the time is coming when all such labors will come to an end. But in the verse above Solomon is preparing us for possible failure in these pursuits. What is then is the meaning of this verse?

Is the Preacher telling us that all of life is just a gamble? Is he saying that we are just left to blind fate without any activity of God? Did God just wind up the clock and leave us to our own fate without his intervention and care? The answer is no!

The marvelous work of God is all over this great book. In chapter 3, we learn that men live under the times and the seasons appointed by God (3:1–11). Please note the number of times “God“ is referenced: “the work of God”; “the gift of God”,and “God has put eternity in our heart“. From these verses, we learn that God, not fate, is in control. We depend on God, and we must submit to God.

Just what is meant by our verse? First, the Preacher reminds us that God has given us a work to do (3:12, 13), and the hands to accomplish that good (9:10).  He has given us companions (4:9–12; 9:9) with which to share that good. In chapter 3 and 9 we see that it is God’s desire for us to work diligently and to enjoy the fruit of our labor. But be careful. Don’t forget what is of greater importance.

In the midst of our earthly pursuits God allows for there to be a dose of reality. The reality of death is there (3:20; 9:3).  And God allows for days of prosperity and adversity (Ecclesiastes 7:13,14). There are times, when the “race is not to the swift“. This inequity may be due to the interference of evil men, or to the intervening work of God. It is during these times that painful, but necessary lessons are learned, and we are reminded to keep the “rat race” of life in perspective.  

It is tempting to neglect our eternal goals and commitment to God to pursue earthly goals. However, human ability alone cannot guarantee success. The interest that we have in this world can be removed in a heartbeat. But, through Jesus Christ we can have the assurance and guarantee of an eternal life in his presence. 

By George Slover
 

The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes; And to Him shall be the obedience of the people. (Genesis 49:10)

The dying vision of Jacob to his sons is recorded in Genesis 49.  The aged patriarch is miraculously foretelling the future of each of his sons.  We wish to consider what he specifically prophesies about Judah.

The reference to Judah as a lion crouched down is a precursor of Jesus “the lion of the tribe of Judah”.  (Revelation 5:5)   The scepter, an emblem of regal command, looks forward to the time when king would rule over Israel.  Jacob’s prophecy forecasts a succession of kings from Judah until “Shiloh” comes.  Ultimately, Jesus of Nazareth, from the tribe of Judah and linage of David (Acts 2:29-31), would sit on a throne reigning over a spiritual kingdom.  

The name “Shiloh” expresses rest or peace.  The Messiah would come to answer man’s greatest need.  Sin separates God and man, but Jesus died to reconcile the two.  (Ephesians 2:11-18)  Thus, Jesus is also called the “Prince of Peace”.  (Isaiah 9:6)

For what would “Shiloh” come?  He would come to gather all nations to Himself (Isaiah 2:2, 3); to redeem mankind, both Jews and Gentiles (Galatians 3:26-29); to bear the sins of mankind (Isaiah 53:11, 12); to teach people the way of life (John 11:25); to reign over His people (Colossians 1:13); and to give them victory over death. (I Corinthians 15:57)

God worked through the nation of Israel to prepare the World for the coming of “Shiloh”.  The Law of Moses convinced of sin and pointed the way to Christ (Galatians 3:24).  The Old Testament prophets declared God’s purpose in the person of Christ.  In the fullness of time God fulfilled his promises.

Why should we doubt God’s acceptance of us or His desire to help?  The work of Christ is not a newly revised thing.  God has been thinking about us for a long time! All of our imperfections are known to God, yet He bids us to trust the work of Christ.  He is the only rest giver.  To Him belongs all the honor and praise!

By George Slover  

 

“A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth.  (Isaiah 42:3)  This great passage is found in the midst of Isaiah’s Messianic prophecies.  “My servant” (vs.1) is God’s servant, the Messiah.  We know this prophecy had a specific reference to Jesus from an account found in Matthew’s gospel (Mt.12:15-21). Isaiah, in very vivid terms, speaks of the nature of the Messiah’s ministry.  He tells us that it would be 1) universal in scope ministering to the Gentiles, 2) based upon truth, and 3) without much fanfare.  These promises were certain and sure because the God who “created the heavens” foretold these things.  In anticipation of the Messiah, one would look forward to the gentle nature of his ministry.  He would come ministering to the weak and the outcasts.  The figures found in verse 3 are proof of this.  The “bruised reed” and the “smoking flax” represent the kind of people toward whom God is patient. The reed grew in river marshes and was used for making writing instruments.  They were so plentiful that a broken reed was considered worthless.  The flax was used as a wick in a lamp.  When it gave off more smoke than light it was snuffed out and thrown away.  Those two pictures represent those to whom Jesus ministers!  He will mend the reed and fan the flax – hoping for a flame!  He is so tender and so patient with us.  God isn’t through!   When counseling a weak brother, remember the exhortation of Paul – “support the weak”.  (I Thess.5:14)  When we are down on ourselves we must remember the patience of Jesus!  He still cares and is still “working’ on me”.    By George Slover

as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, (1 Peter 2:2)

How are God’s people to live in the world without living like the world?  How are they to lead holy lives?  (I Peter 1:15, 16)  An important aspect of holy living is spiritual growth!  Living the sanctified life comes in progressive stages that takes one from childhood to maturity.

So, how is one going to mature as God wishes?  Peter offers two keys to spiritual growth:  1) lay aside any sins that may hinder the process, and 2) desire the sincere milk of the word.  It is the later that I want to focus on.

Peter tells us that the word of God is necessary for spiritual growth.  God’s word, the spiritual seed, is the basis for holy living!  By obeying this truth, souls have been purified, and they’ve been born into the kingdom of God.  Christian growth depends upon the proper use of God’s word.

The word of God is food for the soul like milk is for infants.  It can provide the spiritual nourishment essential to the process of maturing.  It contains all of the necessary nutrients.  God’s word is a source of spiritual life.  It is an “incorruptible seed that lives and abides forever”.  It has the power to create and sustain a relationship with God when planted in an honest heart.

Therefore, our spiritual growth depends upon our desire for God’s word.  The imagery here is like a baby longing for nourishment.  Like it or not, we must use our intellect to receive it and digest it.  Like a baby crying for mother’s milk, we are to crave the milk of the word.  This would include daily reading, meditation, and application.

Experiencing God’s word in our life is sweet to taste:  if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. (1 Peter 2:3)  Peter does not imply doubt here, but supposes that they have tasted, and urges them on the ground of the first taste, to long for more.

God has not given us a hope that can never be realized.  He also gives us his word which moves us to conversion and then, if we crave it, sets up shop within us and goes to work preparing us for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

By George Slover
 

To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. (Colossians 1:27-28)

As an Apostle and servant of Christ, Paul also served as a model for evangelism.  Paul was a suffering saint and prisoner of the Lord.  All of his strivings were motivated by man’s greatest cause – the cause of Christ.  In his life’s work, Paul can be a model for us. 

The subject of his preaching is Christ.  Paul says: “we proclaim Him”!  His message did not consist of vain philosophy or religious tradition (Colossians 2:8).  Thus, our mission is to uphold Christ – to proclaim his death, burial, and resurrection, to draw portraits of His life, to herald His grace, and to clearly spell out His demands.

The scope of his preaching is all mankind.  Paul says, “We admonish every man”.  C.S. Lewis stated: “There are no ordinary people.  You have never talked to a mere mortal.  Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations – these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat.  But it is immortals whom we joke with, marry, snub, and exploit- immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.”  What a sobering thought.  No one is safe without Jesus!  All men are accountable to God.  Thus, our mission is to generously scatter the seed.

The method of Paul’s preaching is practical instruction – “warning and teaching”.  The goal must be to convict the sinner of his guilt (Romans 3:23), and encourage them by the offers of the gospel.  The terms of pardon are "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ”. (Acts 20:21) This also includes submission to God in baptism.  (Acts 2:28)

The goal of gospel preaching is to present every man perfect in Christ.  The work of the preacher is to mold lives and develop character.  Redeeming the sinner of guilt and saving the eternal soul are important, but the work is not finished with conversion.  It only begins there.  In fact the eternal goals will not be realized unless one grows on toward perfection in Christ.

It was to this work Paul devoted all of his energy.  It is to this same ministry Christians are also called.  There is not a more important endeavor.

By George Slover