The Grands Letter (Eccl/GLJ)
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D. on January 26, 2023 5:24 am (CST)Dear Grands,
Ecclesiastes 12:10-14, “The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly. The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd.
12 But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body.
13 The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.
14 For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”
There was an old saying, scribbled on the flyleaf of my college Latin textbook:
“Latin is a dead language,
It’s as dead as it can be;
It killed the ancient Romans,
And now it’s killing me.”
Whatever the case may be, the Holy Scriptures were not originally written in English. Thus, the word “Preacher” in our text above (Qoheleth in Hebrew), literally means “collector of sentences.” I guess that fits with preachers today. At least, it does for my pastors.
More importantly still, those “words of wise men” were like goads to the hearers. Goads were sticks with sharp points used for prodding the cattle, keeping them in line. Words of the Preacher often gouge us into thinking clearly and accurately, enabling us to live and move as the LORD requires.
Have you ever been hurt by your Preacher’s goads? I have! It’s a stinging hurt! They startle and awaken the spiritually sleeping listener. Good that they do, too; because the LORD will one day bring our somber, sleepiness into judgment.
“How is that fair?” you ask. It is fair because we will stand trial concerning the Word the Preacher advocates. His warning lies in the Scriptures we have today. Failure to acquaint ourselves with His Word will doubtlessly render the “guilty” on that day. So, we had all best start now to spend time “cramming” for His finals!
So, take a word from Isaiah, the Prophet: “Seek from the book of the LORD, and read!” (Isa. 34:16) You can start today! Who knows the time or the day of His testing? It may be sooner than we think!
Heartily in Christ Jesus,
(Dado III)
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America
“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom