A Famine Not of Bread

Click here to listen to this sermon. “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die … [God] has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2a, 11). Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! The words of Ecclesiastes 3 are among the most famous in the Bible, often quoted, reproduced on various wall hangings, and inscribed on plaques. Adding just a few words, folk artist Pete Seeger turned the first eight verses of Ecclesiastes 3 into a hit song best known as it was recorded by “The Byrds.” But as familiar as this passage is, there is confusion about its meaning. Some contend that Solomon here teaches that “it is wisdom to do the right thing at the right time,” suggesting that with the right timing and knowledge a person can make the most of his opportunities and lead a successful life. But as appealing as such an interpretation is in our humanistic age, it simply does not s...

"The Judgment of Solomon" by Giorgione Click here to listen to this sermon. “Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart” (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20). Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! “His whole body was filled with delight. The aroma was so good, so tempting. It merited a closer look. At the jar’s edge, the scent overwhelmed him. He settled upon it and gorged himself with sticky sweetness. But then he could not pull away. Although he beat his wings until they buzzed, the ointment clung to him and drew him down to silence. ...

Click here to listen to this sermon. 11  And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, 12  behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. 13  I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. 14  And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days”  ( 1 Kings 3:11–14 ).