Sinners All

For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.

 --Ecclesiastes 7:20  (NKJV)

From the daily Bible reading on September 13, 2013 of Proverbs 4:18-27; 1 Timothy 5; Ecclesiastes 6-7.

Ecclesiastes is the Greek equivalent of the original Hebrew title Qoheleth, and both mean "preacher". This is how the author identifies himself in the first verse of the first chapter, as the Preacher. He adds that he is also the son of David, King in Jerusalem. For this reason, and for references in the book to the writer's unrivaled wisdom, great wealth, and extensive building activities, Solomon has long been accepted as that author, that Preacher. And as no other offspring of David measured up to those accolades, Jewish tradition explicitly holds that Solomon is indeed the author. But some have adopted a view first considered by Martin Luther that the book was written quite a bit later, after the children of Israel returned from Babylonian exile, and by an unknown author who simply used Solomon as an easily recognizable central character. However the evidence supporting this view is inconclusive and Solomon is accepted as the Preacher by most, and so shall we.

In chapter seven and most of chapter eight of his book, Solomon employs a series of proverbial sayings, some indeed found closely repeated in the Book of Proverbs (another mostly authored by Solomon), to offer counsel and advice concerning wisdom, and especially as compared to folly. He puts these comparisons to use in showing both the advantages and the limitations of wisdom. For instance he cautions that we not be overly righteous or wise, lest we destroy ourselves, nor should we be overly wicked or foolish, lest we die before our time. By this he means we should live in moderation in all things, and in excess in none.

Today's focus verse is indeed a pearl of wisdom, and one we should all be painfully aware of and admit to: we are all sinners. No matter how righteous and just we may be, no matter how much good we might do, regardless of how minor our offense may seem in man's reckoning, in God's eyes and by His righteousness we are all sinful creatures. We could never be reconciled to Him by our own efforts or merits. It is only by His wonderful grace and the blood sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ that we have any hope of being allowed entry into God's home. Only the Son of Man did not sin, but for our sake He bore all the sin of the world unto Himself so that we could be washed clean. All this because He loves us. Amen.

God in heaven, we are sinners. Without the sacrifice of our Redeemer Jesus we could never be reconciled to You, could never be rejoined with You. Thank You, Father, for Your unmerited grace. Thank You, Jesus, for taking the punishment we so rightly deserve. In the glorious name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.