Monday August 19, 2013

Read Ecclesiastes 1:1. 1 Kings 3

It’s important to know a little about the author of any book because it helps us to understand the vital meaning of the book, its background and it guides us on how to best interpret the book.

 

From the author’s introduction in verse 1 we can almost conclude that Solomon is the author of the book. He fits the bill in terms of being a Son of David and being King over Jerusalem. In chapter 12 we see that the author was wise and wrote down many proverbs. Solomon again fits the bill! He was wise and wrote many proverbs including much of the Book of Proverbs which sits just after the Psalms in the Bible.

 

But how does knowing that Solomon was the author help us in our journey through Ecclesiastes? Solomon became King of Israel when he was relatively young. We know that he asked God for wisdom and that God promised to grant him this wisdom. In fact, God promised Solomon a wise and discerning heart so that there will never have been, nor will there ever be, any one like him.  We see this wisdom displayed immediately after the promise is given when two women dispute the true motherhood of a particular baby. The book of 1 Kings goes on to show the growth in wisdom and splendour of King Solomon.

 

When we read Ecclesiastes as a book written by Solomon we are assured that we are reading the words of a man of wisdom attested to by God Himself. We are reading the words of a wise man who has been inspired and blessed by God. Ecclesiastes is not the ramblings of a lunatic or the bitter cry of a cynic. It is not the off-the-cuff sayings of a mystic or magician. These are the well considered, thoroughly tested thoughts of a man filled with God’s Spirit and wisdom.

 

By understanding the authorship of Ecclesiastes as belonging to Solomon we are given a solid assurance and secure foundation that what we are reading is from God, not just from mankind.

 

Prayer:

Write down at least one prayer point in each of the following categories based on the following verse.

 

When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice.

1 Kings 3:28

 

Adoration:

 

 

Confession:

 

 

Thanks:

 

 

Supplication:

¥ Pray for the chaplain at Harristown Public school and his work there. Pray that Josh would have ample opportunity to speak of Christ, to make disciples for Jesus and even to introduce the staff to Christ. Pray that any Christian staff would support the chaplain in her role there.

¥ Pray that God would provide for the orphans and disabled people in Mustard Seed orphanage in Myanmar. Pray that God would provide for them, bless them and grant them knowledge and experience of His love for them. Pray that many of these people would become great soldiers for Christ Jesus.

 

Discussion Questions For Families and Groups

Donald, a non believer, has been your good friend for a long time. He’s listened patiently to your gospel presentations in the past but has so far  reused to come to Christ in repentance and faith.

 

1/. If Donald were to tell you that he thinks the Bible is just another book written by mankind, how would you answer him?

 

2/. If Donald wanted to know more about the role of God in authoring the Bible, what suggestions could you give him?