What's the Point? (A Study in Ecclesiastes: Part 3)Sample

THE TRUTH HURTS SOMETIMES

Q’s observations are meant to bring us certain types of pain. Ecclesiastes 12:11 refers to the words as goads and ‘like nails firmly fixed.’ The imagery here is un-mistakenly related to a shepherd leading a flock. A herder would typically carry a goad – a stick with a pointed end - or a rod with sharp nails on the end. These instruments were used to prod the animals in the direction they needed to go, whether toward the fresh pasture, clean water, or the overnight protection of a pen. Any animal wandering off would feel the corrective poke of a goad to get them back on track.

Q’s words bring corrective guidance like this. We may not always like it, and the truth may sometimes hurt, but its intention is only for our guidance and good. Why do you think God brings this imagery into his conversation with Saul in Acts 26?

Ask Yourself: When was the last time you submitted to the Bible’s teaching even though you didn’t like it? How did the pain of the truth help you to change direction? Are there any situations in which you are currently feeling the prodding of God’s re-direction, but you have not yet turned around?

Pause to Pray: Yahweh Rohi, you are my Shepherd. Thank you for loving me enough to discipline me. I pray that you will continue to lead and guide me in __________. Please help me to heed the direction of your truth…

Take the Next Step: As you continue to read scripture during your chair time this week, pay attention to any passages that ‘rub you the wrong way.’ Ask God for revelation about how His truth might be leading you to change course.