Old Testament reading: Ecclesiastes 8-12
“I know he’s up there somewhere watching me today.” Such words are often spoken by athletes and others who perform after losing a loved one. Most folks believe the deceased can still see them today. But can they? Our reading today says “No.” Speaking of the dead, the Preacher says, “Nevermore will they have a share in anything done under the sun” (9:6). You recall from yesterday’s reading that “under the sun” means the events and deeds done upon the earth. Thus, the dead do not see what transpires on earth. There is also another error concerning the dead that needs to be addressed from this text, particularly Ecclesiastes 9:5 – “For the living know that they shall die, but the dead know nothing.” Some point to this text to teach that the dead are not in a conscious state, but are instead “sleeping” until the Judgment. Again, the context is modified by “under the sun.” Jesus was clear concerning the conscious state of the dead, both good and evil, in Luke 16:19-31 in the account of the rich man and Lazarus. Both men died and were conscious within the hadean realm.
New Testament reading: Ephesians 4-6
Are you walking the walks? Ephesians 5 presents three divinely mandated walks that all must make. The first is the walk of love (5:1-7). This walk is a walk of purity in view of the pure sacrifice of Jesus Christ (v 2). The walk of love avoids all forms of fornication and uncleanness with all sins of the tongue (vv 3-4). The walk of love is a walk of thanksgiving (v 4). The second walk is the walk of light (v 8). The walk of light avoids all forms and paths of darkness, seeking to know what is acceptable to the Lord (vv 8-10). The walk of light avoids evil companionship (cf 1 Cor 15:33) and seeks to persuade the wicked (v 11). Finally, there is the walk of wisdom. One cannot walk in wisdom until he first walks in love and light, for without the love of God and light of Christ, there is no wisdom. The walk of wisdom recognizes the brevity of life and redeems the time (cf Ps 90:12). The walk of wisdom recognizes the brevity of life and redeems the time (cf Ps 90:12). Those who walk in wisdom are also diligent to keeps their minds free of corrupting influences (v 18). These walks are great exercises for the soul!
Leave a Reply