17th February 2024

17th February 2024


Pray (ACts)


Read (Ecclesiastes 4v13-16)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


Pray (acTS)


Do you remember the story of Joseph? He was his father’s favourite son and his jealous brothers considered taking his life but relented and sold him instead. Joseph ended up in Egypt in the service of a man called Potiphar. Potiphar’s wife liked Joseph a little bit too much and because he refused her advances, she lied to her husband and Joseph was thrown in prison.


The Lord blessed Joseph in prison and eventually he was released to serve Pharaoh as one of the most important figures in that ancient and great nation. Even so, after many years had passed, Joseph’s legacy was forgotten and a new Pharaoh had no clue about Joseph’s many great deeds.


Although Solomon didn’t mention Joseph by name, it seems the final verses of chapter four are an accurate summary of his life and perhaps Solomon had Joseph in mind when he penned Ecclesiastes. Joseph was the poor but wise youth (v13) who went from prison to a place of great power (v14). Many came to him and were blessed by his foresight and wisdom (v16) but future generations forgot him and did not rejoice in him (v16b).


We can be thankful for a reminder of Joseph’s remarkable life which was marked by God’s providence at every step, but is that all we should take from these verses? Not at all. I’m intrigued by the comparison between the wise but poor youth and a foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice (v13).


My mother used to tell me “you know it all, yet you know nothing” and at times she was correct in her assessment. We all go through periods that we are so singled minded that we simply won’t be told. Nevertheless, we recall that we are to live in community and sometimes we would do well to seek the advice of others - a threefold cord is not quickly broken.


You’ll know by this stage that I miss the late Noel Agnew. He freely gave advice and his advice rarely failed. Good friends who give good advice are worth their weight in gold. Even so, let me offer a note of caution. Some offer advice which doesn’t come from a Christ-centred place. They offer “advice” which is merely a veil to allow them to say harsh and mean-spirited things.


So what is to be done? The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom (Proverbs 1v7) and our fellowships would be blessed with an abundance of both fear and wisdom. May the Lord raise up godly and wise men and women who freely offer Christ honouring advice to His people. May such advice be heard by open ears and soft hearts without arrogance or pride. May the Lord shut the lips of those who seek to destroy and close the ears of those who are targeted. By the grace of God, the Lord will cause us to be as holy and wise as pardoned sinners can be.


Sing


WSC


Q71 What is required in the seventh commandment? The seventh commandment requireth the preservation of our own and our neighbor’s chastity, in heart, speech, and behaviour.