Scripture points are shared, today, to clarify King Solomon’s prophetic use of the terms vain, vanity, and under the sun. Solomon, Job, Jeremiah and others throughout the holy writings take up the themes of aging, life’s brevity, arbitrary change (we also say, evil; unasked for, unintended, unnecessary, unplanned change), death, inheritance, mortality, and sin as fixed conditions that introduce despair, frustration, injustice, imbalance, impracticality, and ungodliness. A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Risa” (Level 2 with 982 points, a member since January 18, 2010) posted the following:
What did Solomon mean when saying that everything is vanity under the sun?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: If a man beget an hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also that he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he. For he cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness. Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known any thing: this hath more rest than the other. Yea, though he live a thousand years twice told, yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place? All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled. For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living? Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit. That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he. Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better? For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun? (Ecclesiastes 6: 3-12, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Gift of Life Despised? (10/13/2014); The Life That Endures (10/14/2014); Errors of King Solomon? (06/13/2013); Salvation for Atheists? (06/14/2013)
“Risa”, in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, doctrines, events, objects, persons, things, and traditions labeled vain lack divine spirit substance, therefore, they are ephemeral, fruitless, pointless, short-lived, temporary, transient, unable to provide salvation or satisfaction, unproductive, and a waste of time. A vanity may be an idol or man-made object that is worshiped as containing a god, or serving as its agent and representative. The phrase under the sun means throughout the earth, everywhere within the sphere of life for mankind, among the living. Despite what appears to be a rant from the King, Solomon is called “the Preacher” because, in addition to prophetically describing the human predicament—that apart from the Creator, the creation is finite, limited, and without eternal purpose—Solomon points out the brevity, injustice, and repeated frustration of mankind’s expectations generated by flesh (i.e., appetite, sensation, emotion/mental functions, mortality). Following are some Scriptures to consider for a complete Christian understanding of Ecclesiastes and other writings where the terms vain and vanity appear:
(1.) Deuteronomy 5: 11, KJV: 11 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
(2.) Deuteronomy 32: 45-47, KJV: 45 And Moses made an end of speaking all these words to all Israel: 46 And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. 47 For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.
(3.) 1st Samuel 12: 20-22, KJV: 20 And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; 21 And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain. 22 For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.
(4.) Psalms 89: 46-48, KJV: 46 How long, LORD? wilt thou hide thyself for ever? shall thy wrath burn like fire? 47 Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain? 48 What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.
(5.) 1st Corinthians 15: 12-15, KJV: 12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
(6.) James 1: 25-27, KJV: 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. 26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. 27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
There is far more that could be said, and that must be correctly understood and spiritually taken into account. (For example (7.) Jeremiah 10: 14-16, KJV: 14 Every man is brutish in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. 15 They are vanity, and the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish. 16 The portion of Jacob is not like them: for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts is his name.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Showing posts with label brevity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brevity. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Saturday, June 14, 2014
(06/14/2014) The Estate of His Handmaiden
One of the most challenging aspects of sharing as a Christian blog writer is that you must obey the Rule of Brevity: KISS (keep it simple, stupid!). Readers may become easily confused, and may not recall the most necessary information when you tell them too much all at once. Those choosing to be effective as ministers, especially those sharing by a written rather than spoken word, must rely upon the operation of GOD to create and maintain a proper balance between ones divine awareness of human need, and ones human realization of what others are prepared to accept. The honest writer must make every effort to be thorough and complete, yet, must confess dependency upon the higher, holier mind of one who truly does have experience and knowledge of all that may be called holy or sacred. With this in mind I encourage readers to continue with my presentation on Mary.
THE BATTLE AXE: Mary (06/13/2014)—(4.) For Jesus, being about the Father’s business was a matter of being in obedience to divinity, doing as he was told, serving as a spokesperson (we say, prophet), and teaching specific doctrines he had received from heaven, that were not created by himself or anyone else in the earth. Believers should not be surprised that the holy writings documenting the ministry and operations of GOD for Salvation record few expressions of tenderness by Jesus toward his mother. The Savior loved and respected his mother, Mary; and also demonstrated this from the cross. Even so, Jesus never worshiped Mary. (5.) At the least, Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, is to be received as a sister in the New Testament, and a member of the household of GOD. As such, she is not to be condemned, despised, disrespected, ignored, insulted, or slandered. Christian believers who accept that nothing is impossible for GOD are not offended by the thought that Mary, first, would be anointed and endowed from her own conception and birth, would be continually encouraged to grow showing humility and love toward GOD, would suffer humiliation as the mother to Messiah, would strengthen the early church by her presence and counsel, and finally would be exalted, preserved, and lifted up from the earth to GOD and Christ. Now, as are all those in the presence of GOD, Mary is alive, she is holy, she is immortal, and she is pure. Given that all those who correctly respect and venerate Mary only do so through operations of the Holy Spirit, believers in Jesus endure no damage or loss of their salvation when asking that Mary intercede by prayer, by speaking to her son, or by her continuing to show reverence to GOD. Those who acknowledge Mary do so on the basis of their faith, love and Spirit. Jesus has not commanded any to deny his mother. Those who oppose Mary do so on the basis of their own enmity, flesh, and sin. (6.) For many Christian believers the bottom line regarding Mary as the mother of Jesus is that such teachings are “meat”, not “milk”. The eternal love of the Father appears, and is embodied and incarnate within the flesh of the mother. Followers must be able to discern and recognize the Holy Spirit operating as agent of both the Father and the Son, who equally exalt Mary for the eternal benefit of heaven and earth. Things that come to us from the ministry of Jesus through operations of the Holy Spirit also include knowledge of a visitation by Mary before the birth of Jesus to comfort her cousin Elisabeth (who would give birth to John the Baptist). At that time, both expectant mothers behaved in the role of prophetess, and were moved to praise and speak as those anointed by GOD and endowed with the Spirit of Prophecy. That Mary should intercede for the lives of men is no less commendable than Abraham making appeal for Sodom and the cities of the plain. That Mary should reflect and emanate glory from the GODhead is no more an offense than when the face of Moses shone following his experience of 40 days and nights in the divine presence. See Proverbs 31: 29-30, Luke 2: 41-52, Luke 11: 23-28, Luke 23: 26-31, Galatians 5: 14-16, Hebrews 6: 1-3, Exodus 34: 29-35 and James 4: 10-12, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. (Luke 1: 46-55, KJV)
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. (Romans 16: 2, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
THE BATTLE AXE: Mary (06/13/2014)—(4.) For Jesus, being about the Father’s business was a matter of being in obedience to divinity, doing as he was told, serving as a spokesperson (we say, prophet), and teaching specific doctrines he had received from heaven, that were not created by himself or anyone else in the earth. Believers should not be surprised that the holy writings documenting the ministry and operations of GOD for Salvation record few expressions of tenderness by Jesus toward his mother. The Savior loved and respected his mother, Mary; and also demonstrated this from the cross. Even so, Jesus never worshiped Mary. (5.) At the least, Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, is to be received as a sister in the New Testament, and a member of the household of GOD. As such, she is not to be condemned, despised, disrespected, ignored, insulted, or slandered. Christian believers who accept that nothing is impossible for GOD are not offended by the thought that Mary, first, would be anointed and endowed from her own conception and birth, would be continually encouraged to grow showing humility and love toward GOD, would suffer humiliation as the mother to Messiah, would strengthen the early church by her presence and counsel, and finally would be exalted, preserved, and lifted up from the earth to GOD and Christ. Now, as are all those in the presence of GOD, Mary is alive, she is holy, she is immortal, and she is pure. Given that all those who correctly respect and venerate Mary only do so through operations of the Holy Spirit, believers in Jesus endure no damage or loss of their salvation when asking that Mary intercede by prayer, by speaking to her son, or by her continuing to show reverence to GOD. Those who acknowledge Mary do so on the basis of their faith, love and Spirit. Jesus has not commanded any to deny his mother. Those who oppose Mary do so on the basis of their own enmity, flesh, and sin. (6.) For many Christian believers the bottom line regarding Mary as the mother of Jesus is that such teachings are “meat”, not “milk”. The eternal love of the Father appears, and is embodied and incarnate within the flesh of the mother. Followers must be able to discern and recognize the Holy Spirit operating as agent of both the Father and the Son, who equally exalt Mary for the eternal benefit of heaven and earth. Things that come to us from the ministry of Jesus through operations of the Holy Spirit also include knowledge of a visitation by Mary before the birth of Jesus to comfort her cousin Elisabeth (who would give birth to John the Baptist). At that time, both expectant mothers behaved in the role of prophetess, and were moved to praise and speak as those anointed by GOD and endowed with the Spirit of Prophecy. That Mary should intercede for the lives of men is no less commendable than Abraham making appeal for Sodom and the cities of the plain. That Mary should reflect and emanate glory from the GODhead is no more an offense than when the face of Moses shone following his experience of 40 days and nights in the divine presence. See Proverbs 31: 29-30, Luke 2: 41-52, Luke 11: 23-28, Luke 23: 26-31, Galatians 5: 14-16, Hebrews 6: 1-3, Exodus 34: 29-35 and James 4: 10-12, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. (Luke 1: 46-55, KJV)
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. (Romans 16: 2, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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