Ecclesiastes
One may disagree with some of Ecclesiastes as Solomon, the author, has reached the end of his life and is disappointed, disillusioned and depressed. It doesn’t mean that God has the same attitudes. Solomon had been in a position to have or do anything he wanted. Now he felt that everything had been pointless. Some pastimes are acceptable but if they are the main focus in life, they will not satisfy, they will not interpret life for you. This book is old but it speaks to the modern person who is ever seeking something to stimulate him/her. If we find meaning to life first, then we are ready to enjoy other experiences. Solomon observed multiple situations ‘under the sun’, and David Pawson says that life can’t be lived under the sun – you need a much higher perspective to see what life is all about. Solomon’s other limitation was that he looked only at this life. He never mentions the next. It is only when you see life in light of heaven’s perspective and this world in light of the next that you begin to see what life is all about. In 2 chapters, Solomon mentions God and becomes positive in outlook. God is weaving a pattern out of your life. Fear God and obey him. People are foolish to leave the Maker’s instructions on the shelf. Life can be worthwhile.
Song of Songs
David Pawson explores the reasons for the Song of Songs being in our Bibles. It has no mention of God or anything of a particularly spiritual nature, yet rabbis treat it as very holy. David says, for Hebrews there is one God who made the physical and the spiritual and physical is good - whereas in the West we have been influenced by Greek thinking which separates the two. “Here in the Bible, God is affirming love between a man and woman.” David says the Bible is a story of how God went looking for a bride for his Son; it is a love letter to us. It is a love story from beginning to end. Song of Songs was written by Solomon and David Pawson fits the pieces of the romance between Solomon and his love interest together for us. He says, at the heart of our religion is a very personal relationship; being a Christian is being in love with the Lord. God always speaks of his relationship with his people in terms of family relationships. Jesus Christ says he is the Bridegroom. Our relationship with the Lord is not erotic, but it is emotional.
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