So often we are admonished to read our Bibles in search of forgiveness, salvation and eternal life. However, sometimes we can read just for the sheer pleasure of the content. Some of Paul’s adventures are as exciting as Indiana Jones’. There are shipwrecks, mob scenes, a snake bite, escaping a city in a basket. There is the awesome beauty of the Psalms and of course the narrative of David’s many battles.
Ecclesiastes is filled with great ideas. Chapter 9 alone is full of entertaining thoughts. Solomon tells of a poor wise man, surely an oxymoron, who saved his city from a siege by a strong king. The problem is he never tells us how. But I want to know. In verse 7 we read, “Eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.” That drives a teetotaler like me just a bit crazy. In verse 8 he said, “Always be clothed in white.” White was worn to festivals. Some paraphrase this as each day dress beautiful and fancy. Verse 11 says, “Time and chance happen to them all.” The “them” is us. Good times and bad times come to us all. Accidents happen. The last verse says, “Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.”
I think before I go to sleep tonight I will reread one of my favorites. In Acts 12 Peter is in prison and an angel aids him in a great escape. It’s an awesome story that should fill all our hearts with courage and hope. As Paul said, “With God on our side, who can be against us?” Do you want some really great reading? Your Bible is full of good stuff.
Written by Roger Bothwell on July 17, 2012
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org