Devotionals for Life in Negative World: Ecclesiastes 1:1
Devotionals for Life in Negative World are brief reflections on a passage of Scripture for the purpose of edifying the afflicted, informing the ignorant, and equipping the warrior against hostile critics of the Christian household, church, or neighborhood.
The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
Ecclesiastes 1:1
How magnificent the strength and stretch of words! They can stack mountains of joy in the spirit of an elementary school child who is told she is glad to be seen. By merely calling their name, they can induce weeping immediately among those burdened by contrition.
Yet how unwieldy their world can be. They can be manipulated and thrown flippantly. Lies can be told. Deception can be promulgated. Meanings can be traded for insignificances. They can be as useless, transgressive, and impulsive as eye gazes and hand grazes.
The Preacher is a collector of words. He builds a world out of them. He is skilled at assembling and delivering. He doesn’t do it haphazardly, nor does he feed words to swine. He prepares them like a exotic dish for a congregation of chefs.
He collects them throughout the week in preparation for the Lord’s Day. “This word, not that one.” “That should come last.” He assembles to stack joy and burst contrition. So that the strength of words might stretch the congregation.
Each Sunday, Zophar the Naamathite is answered: The collection of the Preacher’s words will never go unanswered. Because his assemblage is not babble; his words are the deep things of God. Who are any of us to find them dubious?
Through the Preacher, the Spirit commissions our fists to beat our breasts. His words baptize our souls like a sea of blushing, with the right measure of persuasion to make our heads fall. Out of the mouth of a son of a King, he puts guilt in our hands and invites us to snack on it.
Our culture drips with negation. Challenges, counters, and cancellations. Words are not delivered for wisdom, edification, or conviction. Conviction and construction are not the endgame or uptake. No—words are misused and abused. The Word is thrown out.
But in the Sanctuary, the Word is affirmed and exalted. If words of judgment are spoken, they do not end in peril, but hope. Not negation, but intricate and lovely construction. Upbuilding and transformation are always delivered.
O Weary One, prepare your heart to hear the King! Bring your idols but sit on them and watch them shatter. Leave your fears in the back of the garage in a cardboard box. He has the merciful words you need to hear, and in them you will be secure.
Hear the words of the one who built His House not on shifting sand. Hear the Word who is the Rock that holds houses in his hand when the floods and winds come. Hear His favor. Come under the security of His wings. Welcome His washing of blemishes through His Word.
You do not have to reside in world of peril, lies, judgment and babble. Embrace the Word. Enjoy His joy. Regurgitate Your guilt. Lift up your eyes to heaven and see your help coming down in the words of the Preacher.
