Tag Archives: solomon

Reaching Forward

Posted on by
Reply

One sure sign of stagnation in the Christian walk is a deepening desire for nostalgia – that sick sense of longing for the good old days.  Solomon reminds us that dwelling on an idealistic view of the past is pointless:

Do not say, ‘Why were the former days better than these?’
For you do not inquire wisely concerning this.”
                                             – Ecclesiastes 7:10 (NKJV)

As followers of Jesus, we need to keep looking forward if we ever expect to keep up.  We do not follow a Savior who stands still – much less one who walks backwards.  The future is the only time available for us to apply the lessons we’re learning right now.  The future offers the only opportunity there is to experience the result of our spiritual growth.

Paul realized that even he was a work in progress.  The Christian can always be sure that the best is yet to come.  Reaching forward is the only way to get to it.  The Lord has a future planned for you that you don’t want to miss.

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:12-14 (NKJV)

Solomon and Effort

Posted on by
Reply

King Solomon was very clearly a man who knew how to get things done.  It all started with the temple in Jerusalem.  His father David gathered most of the materials, but it was Solomon who oversaw the actual construction.  Then there was his own palace, along with more work in and around the city, the building of a powerful military, and his vast commercial enterprise empowered by a fleet of ships.  People came from all over just to hear his wisdom or receive his counsel.  He might easily have made a fortune as a consultant – well, if he weren’t already a king.  A man like Solomon should even have some solid advice for us to help in our endeavors – and he does.  We find it in Psalm 127:1-2:

Unless the Lord builds the house,
   They labor in vain who build it;
   Unless the Lord guards the city,
   The watchman stays awake in vain.

It is vain for you to rise up early,
    To sit up late,
    To eat the bread of sorrows;
    For so He gives His beloved sleep.
                         – Psalms 127:1-2 (NKJV)

Solomon is not advocating laziness, merely pointing us to the reality that anything we mere mortals do is subject to futility – if the Lord isn’t in it.  Take some time this day to ask God’s blessing upon your work.  We need His Holy Spirit’s empowering in all our efforts. We need His mercy, His grace and His guidance.  With His hand upon you, you will never “labor in vain.”

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. – 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV)