From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>
To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"
Cc:
Sent: Fri, May 3, 2024 at 5:52 AM
Subject: 5-3-24 THOUGHTS
5-3-24 THOUGHTS
We consider this morning, man in pursuit of his desires, working to win what he sees as profit. The Preacher here says it is worthless striving, vanity. Jesus says in Matt 16:26 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” When I read the book of Ecclesiastes, I feel a bit deflated. The whole process of life seems so clinically mechanical, and futile. I could pick any man who ever lived, and his life was just like mine is. What was important to him, is now over striving totally inconsequential in eternity’s measure. The appeal to logic here is tied up in cycles and circles. “And on its circular courses the wind returns.” (Vs 6b). God’s design for the universe continually marches on and on... we join it for a time, and then are gone. Where is our meaning and sense? The Preacher (Solomon inspired by God) Eccl 12:13 “The conclusion, when all has been heard, [is:] fear God and keep His commandments, because this [applies to] every person.” The KJV says “for this is the whole duty of man.” John 11:25 “Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies,”. Col 3:4 “When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” It is not the strivings of this world that give us SENSE! IT IS IN THE VICTORY OF JESUS, that we find meaning!
Eccl 1:1-9 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. 2 "Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher, "Vanity of vanities! All is vanity." 3 What advantage does man have in all his work Which he does under the sun? 4 A generation goes and a generation comes, But the earth remains forever. 5 Also, the sun rises and the sun sets; And hastening to its place it rises there again. 6 Blowing toward the south, Then turning toward the north, The wind continues swirling along; And on its circular courses the wind returns. 7 All the rivers flow into the sea, Yet the sea is not full. To the place where the rivers flow, There they flow again. 8 All things are wearisome; Man is not able to tell it. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, Nor is the ear filled with hearing. 9 That which has been is that which will be, And that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun.
My Prayer:
O God, by Your mercy and grace and love, You have provided the victory in Jesus. We thank You and praise You and lift You up. Thank You for the setting and awesome design of the universe You have placed us in for a short time. May we see the brevity of our time and follow the glory of the information You have provided for us in Your inspired Word. May we diligently seek true profit, and not lust after the things of this world. Help us to discern and spurn Satan’s LIE! May Christ ever be our life. Give us an eager, joyful zeal to be in Your presence, now and forever. In the name of Jesus Amen.