Tag: Life lessons
Questions for the next generation
Scripture Reading for February 21: Deuteronomy 1-4
The name “Deuteronomy” literally means “second law”. Deuteronomy is quoted directly in seventeen of the twenty seven New Testament books and alluded to nearly eighty more times. This book is a record of the last four sermons given by Moses to the congregation of Israel. It records lessons he learned and that God wanted to pass on to the next generation who would possess the promised land.
Moses had led the nation for forty long years around the wilderness. A journey that should have taken less than two weeks stretched out because of grumbling, complaining, doubt and unbelief. (Deuteronomy 1:26-27) Moses, himself, did not get to enter the promised land due to his dishonoring of God at Kadesh. (Numbers 20:8-12) In explaining the forty years of wandering, Moses appeared to blame the Israelites for his own sin. (Deuteronomy 1:37) But God holds leaders to a higher standard because of the revelation and intimacy they share with Him.
Moses also preached to this next generation to inspire faith in God. His questions to them are typical of the rabbinical style of teaching. “What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him?” “And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?” (Deuteronomy 4:7-8) The obvious answer is “none!” They were a special people marked by their Holy God traveling with them. They must be careful to teach these truths to their children and grandchildren!
What lessons do you find helpful for you today from these ancient sermons of Moses? Is history helpful to us today? Choose a family member from the ‘next’ generation to pray for and possibly share your faith or life lessons with in this coming week. Consider some questions you might ask them.
“Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on earth below. There is no other. Keep his decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land the Lord your God gives you for all time.” Deuteronomy 4:39-40
Life Lessons Under the Sun
Scripture reading for July 14th: Ecclesiastes 1-6
Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived, except for Jesus Christ, and one of the richest men as well. He explored life in all it’s aspects. God appeared to him twice and he got to ask God for his heart’s desire. He asked for wisdom and God gave him wealth and fame as well. In Solomon’s later years, he tried to find happiness and meaning “under the sun” apart from God. His verdict is found in this writing.
Solomon, being wise, considered wisdom as an end in itself. He looked at the fool and found that the same fate came to the wise and the foolish. Neither the wise or the foolish will be long remembered after they pass from this life–and both will! His conclusion was that pursuit of wisdom as an end apart from God is meaningless! (Ecclesiastes 2:13-16)
Solomon considered his work and toil as a source of meaning. Work produces many nice things and accomplishments but ultimately the worker dies and must leave all his work to another. The one who inherits all the beautiful works may lack wisdom and desire to use and care for them. These thoughts brought despair and a sense of meaninglessness to Solomon. Work ultimately can’t bring satisfaction either. We must enjoy what we have and realize that God is the source of all true satisfaction and happiness! (Ecclesiastes 2:17-26)
Money and an abundance of goods also cannot bring or buy happiness. The love of money brings a restlessness for more and more. As we gain more things, they are consumed, and others come to help in the process. A fortune may be gained only to be lost in a moment by accident or misfortune. When it comes time to depart this life, we take none of this with us. “Naked a man comes from his mother’s womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand.” (Ecclesiastes 5:15)
Solomon’s conclusion so far was that life apart from God appears to have no real meaning. We are born, we live, and then we die. Whatever we accomplish and how we lived our life is all left behind at death and we are soon forgotten. A life without God is “meaningless”!