25th April 2024

25th April 2024


Pray (ACts)


Read (Ecclesiastes 12v9-12)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


Solomon's life was not perfect but we cannot deny his contribution to the Scriptures. Not only did the Lord bless Solomon with unparalleled wisdom but He was moved to write by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1v21) and we find the result in Ecclesiastes, Proverbs and the Song of Solomon. The wise king taught knowledge to countless generations (v9) and I hope you have seen that this ancient book of Ecclesiastes remains incredibly relevant. We can be thankful that the Lord God moved and inspired Solomon to engage in the process of "weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care." (v9b).


We not only have three books of Solomon's wisdom but we see that the Preacher sought out words of delight and truth (v10). What does this mean? Solomon's words are memorable - there is a beauty to them allied with their truthfulness. So much of Scripture has found its way into modern language and Solomon's writing is no exception. People with no regard for the Lord find themselves quoting Solomon. His wisdom has stood the test of time and it resonates with us because of Solomon's skill as an author.


Wisdom is sweet indeed. It can prod us in the right direction like a goad and it can establish us on a firm foundation like a nail firmly fixed (v11). There is much wisdom in this world and an endless amount of books (v12a). To try and study everything is an impossible task and a life spent in books brings weariness to our bodies (v12b). But we absolutely should do all we can to read Scripture and to read it deeply. Is this because of Solomon's work and the beauty of his words? No. If Solomon's word is still relevant in 2024 it is because his words were given by one Shepherd (v11b).


Long before Paul told us that all of Scripture was God breathed (2 Timothy 3v16-17), Solomon said exactly the same thing. Despite his work of gathering proverbs with great care (v9) and his attempt to write truth beautifully (v10), he understood that true wisdom comes from God alone (v11b). I suspect most of us believe this to be true and yet we still take Scripture for granted.


Brothers and sisters, may our love for the Word of God only grow. Regardless of the human author - Moses, Solomon, David, Matthew or Paul - all of Scripture is God breathed. Pastor John Piper was right "When all your favourite preachers are gone, and all their books forgotten, you will have your Bible. Master it. MASTER IT."     


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q22 How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man? Christ, the Son of God, became man, by taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and born of her, yet without sin.
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