Bible Pathway - July 30
Read Ecclesiastes 9 – 12
As thou knowest not what is the way of the Spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all (Ecc. 11:5).
Often times, man believes he has a complete understanding of God. Some will even try to explain the nature of God to others. While it is not wrong to seek to know God, it is wrong to believe we have God all figured out. Why? Because the Scripture says that we don't have God figured out. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD (Isa. 55:8).
Ecclesiastes speaks on vanity. One definition of vanity is to have inflated pride in yourself. That could describe a person who might perceive that they have all the knowledge about God they need.
The problem itself is in that phrasing. Many might know a little “about” God. The desire of our heart should be to “know” God. And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God (Eph. 3:19).
Many might be able to tell you facts about God. There are others who might know many biblical facts. They can tell of places where things happened. They can tell you when they happened and who was involved. They may even know why that thing transpired. These are excellent skills to have and, in the game of Bible trivia, will always get you picked first.
Are Bible facts all we need to build a relationship with Jesus? No! Knowledge of the Word of God is an awesome thing to have. We are all called to study the Bible. However, we are not called just to study, but to live as the Word directs our lives.
The Bible is the written account of God's interaction with mankind in times past, present and future. The Old Testament was directing us towards Jesus Christ. The New Testament reveals Jesus to the world. The redemptive plan of God is manifest in the life of Christ. Therefore, God reveals a portion of Himself in the identity of Jesus. All things are delivered unto Me of My Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him (Matt. 11:27).
What part of God is revealed to mankind through Christ? The answer is, the part we needed the most. The part that tells us God had love for mankind. He had so much love for mankind that He sent His Son Jesus to die for man.
The plan of God was for man to spend all eternity with Him. When sin came into the world, that could no longer happen because sin could not be allowed to exist eternally. This is why Adam and Eve were removed from the Garden and the Tree of Life. Man needed the righteousness that only God could provide. This was done through the life of Christ.
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference (Rom. 3:22).
Thought for Today:
Lasting satisfaction comes not from earthly works but from doing the will of God.
Christ Revealed:
In the statement, For God shall bring every work into judgment (Eccl. 12:14). Jesus will judge all, for the Father (God) judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son (Jesus) (John 5:22).
Word Studies:
10:14 is full of words, talks as though he knows everything about which he knows nothing; 10:15 he knoweth not how to go to the city, he is ignorant concerning the most obvious matters; 12:11 goads, rods sharpened at the ends, used in driving oxen (Judg. 3:31; 1 Sam. 13:21); The words of the wise are as goads, The words of wisdom rouse into action to do right.
Prayer Suggestion: Pray not to be envious of others (Ps. 37:1).
Optional Reading: Hebrews 7
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 6:10
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