September 12

Journey-through-the-Bible-with-us

READING FOR SEPTEMBER 12, 2025: ECCLESIASTES 3, ACTS 5, PSALM 96                                       ECCLESIASTES 3 This chapter contains famous poetry that folk singer and social activist Pete Seeger set to music in 1959. It was recorded in 1965 under the title “Turn! Turn! Turn!” by the American rock group the Byrds and reached number one in the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Perhaps some of us remember it from our youth. Verse 1 suggests someone, who could only be God, set in place the cycle of events we all experience. God, though his prophet Isaiah agrees: “I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things” (Isa. 45:7). This causes us angst (God creates disaster?) yet reminds us of our limited understanding. Another challenge for our understanding is determining what in this chapter belongs to wisdom “under the sun” and what if anything represents God’s eternal wisdom. 

Perhaps much of the chapter is so obviously true that it fits both categories. It might be our response that differs. Who can deny that we will experience both birth and death ourselves and with our loved ones? This could cause hopelessness. Or reflecting upon the temporary nature of our time on earth while realizing that generations will outlive us, it may prompt us to spend our time focused on eternal values, such as the Gospel. The discernment of knowing when it is time to plant an initiative or activity and when it is time to uproot from work no longer productive is essential to life. Again, this could depress us or open us to new opportunities. 

This writer grew up in a wonderful Bible-believing church that frowned upon any dancing at any time. Yet, verse 4 says there is a time for dancing. Of course, the church was trying to protect its youth from sexual immorality. But, it might have been healthier and more biblical to consider the kind of dancing that and the occasions when it is appropriate. (After all, Earl and Louise Luke and Woody and Emily Sears met at a dance.}  Perhaps all of us have spoken when we shouldn’t have and remained silent when we should have spoken. Yes, we should trust the Holy Spirit to guide us in this choice, but perhaps the Holy Spirit-inspired scripture is asking us here to be very mindful about the power of our words for good or ill.  

Of international importance is considering when it is appropriate for nations to go to war and when it is appro- priate for peace. Despite the necessary militarism of parts of the Old Testament, the changed circumstances of the New Covenant create a bias toward peace:

  • “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:12).
  • “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior” (1 Tim. 2:1-3).

In verse 11 Solomon acknowledges that each person has a sense, however often denied, that there is an eternal reality beyond what we see, but then he gloomily declares our inability to know anything about it. (Psalm 19 vigorous disagrees.) Despite some momentarily wise comments about the value of fearing God in verse 14 and God’s justice in verse 17, most of the last verses reflect the overall purposelessness of life expressed by verse 19: “For the fate of the sons of mankind and the fate of animals is the same. As one dies, so dies the other; indeed, they all have the same breath, and there is no advantage for mankind over animals, for all is futility.”  If one starts with the premise that there is no God, this is the totally logical conclusion. 

READING FOR SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 CONTINUED: ACTS 5, PSALM 96                                      ACTS 5 For those us of reading along with the 3-year reading plan, we might remember the Leviticus 27 study last year about making a special vow to God. One option was giving all or a portion of a piece of property to the Lord. Something similar but even more generous was happening in the first days after Pentecost: “All who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each to the extent that any had need” (Acts 4:34-35). Ananias made such a vow to give God all the proceeds from the sale of a piece of property. Peter perceived that Satan had influenced Ananias to hold back a portion while pretending to give it all. Ananias then lied about it when confronted. His wife, Sapphira, was aware of this deception and also lied. Both died immed- iately. Was this too harsh a penalty? After all, Peter also lied when three times he denied knowing Jesus after he vowed, “Even if I die have to You, I will not deny You” (Matt. 26:35). Perhaps an interpretive key is verse 3 that states Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit. Peter’s denial was before Pentecost and before the baptism of the Spirit. Remember Jesus’s words: “Whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come” (Matt. 12:32). 

2 Corinthians 12:12 says, “The distinguishing marks of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs, wonders, and miracles.” Peter’s ministry was so powerful that even his shadow healed the sick. There is debate among Christians about whether such miracles are possible today after the time of Peter and his associates. Most people don’t refuse prayer when they are sick, however. Peter’s successful healing ministry made the Jewish leadership jealous, so he ended back in jail. This time, an angel sprang Peter and told him to preach the Gospel at the temple. Once again, Peter and the apostles were brought before the Council where he shared the Gospel with them and stated he won’t stop. Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and Paul’s teacher, finally convinced the Council to let the apostles alone. We learn from this entire chapter that the Holy Spirit is Holy, Powerful, All Knowing, and Merciful. 

PSALM 96 Verses 7-13 is quoted pretty much intact in 1 Chronicles 23-34 celebrating the ark being brought to a tent David pitched for it after it had been in the hands of the Philistines. That’s big. Verses 1-6 seek to rev up Israel: Sing to the Lord a new song—not stale worship; share the good news of salvation to the world every day—don't hold it in; tell the world our God is the greatest—not just one cultural tradition among many; He is both strong and beau- tiful—not only loving, not only holy, but the perfect balance of attributes.  Verses 7-10 reach out to the nations: He is glorious, so come to Him; nobody is excluded who humbles them- selves and is dressed properly (Rom 13:14). Finally, verses 11-13 ask nature to roar with joy and trees to sing because Jesus (to whom the ark points) is coming to judge rightly and fairly.