Spiritual – Page 2 – Semper Reformanda

LX

We need to remember, first, that impatience is a manifestation of pride. We are impatient because we want to “be like God” (Gen. 3:5), who alone gets everything done all the time. God speaks, and it always happens. Nothing frustrates His will; nothing limits His accomplishments. He always accomplishes everything that He wants to accomplish, and He always does so at the precise moment that He wants it to be done. We are impatient because we are not like that, and we so desperately want to be. And since pride really is “the great sin,” as C.S. Lewis has said, we ought not to tolerate it or to turn a blind eye to it in any of its manifestations.

Guy Richard, Impatience

Ecclesiastes 1:11 | Word Study

There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after. Eccl. 1:11 (KJV)

The word ‘no’ is taken from ‘în אִין (H369) and it means, to not exist.[1] In its extended meaning, or use of the word, it can also mean ‘father-less;’ which indicates an interesting implication. The supposed meaning the verse might be aiming at, is one of a ‘creator;’ i.e., to bring something into existence, or to make an evident impression of one’s agency. So, when Qôheleth says, ‘there is no remembrance of former things,’ by extension it also means – there is no substantial evidence of our agency that we think is so paramount. We labour under the illusion that we are contributing something to the myth of our excellence.

Comments:

This verse seems to invoke and disqualify two intuitive aspects of human excellence. One, ‘novelty of invention,’ and two, ‘the memorableness of (our) achievements.’ (Henry) The method that Qôheleth employs, seems to be one of discrediting any misplaced over-valuation of human life – i.e., isolated from its creator. The message seems to be clear – start humble, and end wise.

Image: Gustave Dore, Jonah Cast Forth by the Whale (1883)

References:

Henry, M. (1706). Commentary on the Whole Bible, Complete, Eccl. 1:9-11

[1] https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h369/kjv/wlc/0-1/

LVIX

… righteousness is precious to God and is, in fact, required — not as the ground of our justification (which is the righteousness of Christ only), but as an evidence of our being truly justified children of God. This is what Paul prays for, and we should pray for. He prays in Philippians 1:10–11 “that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

John Piper, Dirty Rags No More