As chapter 8 comes to a close, the writer of Ecclesiastes voices the same concerns about fairness and equity that we pose today. His observations seem more striking when put in writing than when they are reduced to water cooler banter. I have seen wicked people buried with honor. Yet they were the very ones…
Month: December 2021
The 2021 Reading List
This year has been a good one for reading and my life has been enriched by the following books. Perhaps there’s one or more that you would care to add to your wish list for 2022! Younique by Will Mancini Changing for Good by Prochaska, Norcross, and DiClemente A Church Called Tov by Scot McKnight…
I Didn’t See That Coming (Ecclesiastes 8:1-8)
How wonderful to be wise, to analyze and interpret things.Wisdom lights up a person’s face, softening its harshness. Obey the king since you vowed to God that you would. Don’t try to avoid doing your duty, and don’t stand with those who plot evil, for the king can do whatever he wants. His command is backed by great power….
Fourth Sunday of Advent: LOVE
Does anyone do a love song better than country music? Here are some famous and infamous song titles from the world of country western music: * Don’t Cry on My Shoulders Cuz You’re Rustin’ My Spurs* Her Teeth was Stained but her Heart was Pure* How can I Miss You if You Won’t Go Away*…
Just Out of Reach (Ecclesiastes 7:15-29)
One of the keys to interpreting Ecclesiastes is remembering that this is one man’s experience, therefore we should be careful not to universalize his words. That principle is especially helpful when trying to untangle this flowing stream of consciousness that concludes chapter 7. If we can let Qoheleth speak from his experience, then we can…
Third Sunday of Advent: JOY
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great…
Remembering Those We Lost
Like many, I lost a loved one during COVID. My mother died in a skilled nursing center in January, and due to the pandemic she died alone, unattended by her family due to the restrictions that were in place at her skilled nursing center. Instead of having a funeral to honor her life, seven of…
Second Sunday of Advent: PEACE
At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit…
