El Roi & Ishmael: God sees & hears

Few people can say they "had it all." The writer of Ecclesiastes could. But looking back, he gives wisdom that only someone who had it all can provide. Spoiler alert: having everything this world offers can't fulfill you. You need something greater than that.

The height of wisdom literature, the preacher/teacher of Ecclesiastes is giving lessons learned from a long life. The first, which is really the theme of the book, is that none of the good things of life can provide the ultimate meaning we seek and need. Outside of that, it all comes to futility. It is a vain chasing after the wind.

Both in Hebrews 12 and in I Corithians 9 we are told that the life of a Christian is like a race. It's not a sprint but a marathon. We can't opt out; we are in this race. We have to stay focused. We should watch out for things that will trip us or distracts us or disqualify us. Our goal is the finish line where the prize awaits. We are in it to win it.

Jesus is usually pictured as a gentle lamb, or a suffering servant, which are true & biblical images. But this is incomplete. The resurrected Messiah is powerful & victorious, a conquering hero who has crushed the head of the enemy.

In Luke 4 Jesus begins with Scripture to proclaim his true identity, calling and purpose in the world. Some liked it, at least at first. But some, eventually many, hated it. Jesus had the courage to be obedient and speak the truth no matter the cost. This is a lesson for all who follow Him.

Sickness is a universal part of human life. We all die of our final illness. God is the all-powerful healer, as he reminded His people in Exodus 15.

Early in the Bible we learn something important about God. He sees everything. He hears our praise and pleas for help. He knows our needs, our sacrifices, and our sins. Nothing escapes His eye or ear.

Does the God of Peace also make war? Yes He does. It is one of the names often used of Him. He is the LORD of Hosts (as in, armies). The world is not a paradise. Evil is real and has to be fought. Christians have to fight in this war that is not against flesh & blood.

Righteousness is simply 'rightness.' It is the same word translated just or justice. It refers to lining up to the standard. In this world every line is crooked to some degree. God alone judges perfectly. The only time He interrupts justice is for the sake of mercy, which is the basis of our hope.

Psalm 95 calls God "Yahweh Osenu," the LORD our Maker. Creation is not only biblical, it is logical and intuitive. The sciences point increasingly toward this fundamental belief. God is the Creator of the universe.