The Devotional - A Look at the Book #631

by Jesse Abel

Papa “J” May Say

Can I have another shot at this one today? Looking at things from the top down or the bottom up is a process of understanding for most of us; in this way we see the bus and get onboard, yet; by either view a transfer is often needed… God’s challenge: Proverbs 2:1-9

Thoughts about Life

At first our conversation was light; you know the weather the flight and things like that, but by the time our first meal arrived we knew our spiritual identities. The first thing I noticed is that his tray of food was different then the one I had. He was studying his products carefully, reading all the labels. He sorted his food, most on his left and some on his right; the curiosity got the best of me. “What’s with that?” and he said. “Our food is specially prepared because we must eat kosher” “yes I understand” I said; “but why do you separate”? He said “The rabbis that bless the food on my left, I do not recognize them as Jews of my faith and will not eat that food”. All that was on his right side was an apple and a package of cookies. We ate, and before the steward returned, I asked my friend for the food on his left which looked better than the meal I just ate. He said; “sure” so I ate and let me say that the kosher food, even though it was not considered kosher by my new found friend; it tasted kosher to me. But “Ooyi” what do I know; everything I ate in flight that day tasted blessed of God and I truly seek His blessing rather than that of a man. 1 Timothy 4:1-5

Ecclesiastes 9

Verses 7-10 – Wow, this section fits appropriately on the plane to Kiev. Solomon clearly understands the effort of living under the sun. Go ahead he says eat drink and be joyful in the process. God has already accepted our works! What did you say Solomon? He said; “God has already accepted your works” Oh! Did you mean that everything I have done or will do is already evaluated by God, then; I should just throw in the towel and live accordingly? No! Not at all!

Here is an example: an automobile is a contained unit to do a specific thing. In the containment the vehicle is equipped to go from one destination to another. But the automobile is not a self contained unit, in order for it to be useful, we must add fuel, oil, water and other chemicals to make it go from point to point. Now I did not miss the most important additive… the human driver. If the automobile could go from point to point without the human element (the industry is working on that) then the automobile would be perfect. Such it is with life under the sun! As a human additive we have messed up God’s perfect plan.

Notice what Solomon says in verse 10; whatever you find to do and put your hands on; do it with all your might! Now there is a statement that is missing in most of the “how too” books these days. Even quoted psychologists miss it. “Oh dear friend, your upbringing prevents you from wisdom, knowledge, work or enjoyment of life… so just eat this pill, mellow out and go to your grave, pouting along the way.