PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Ecclesiastes 11-12
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly
embedded nails—given by one shepherd.” (Ecclesiastes 12:11)
A goad was used to motivate an animal, by poking them gently.
A firmly embedded nail is hard to get out, and you can hang things on it.
These words are intended to motivate us, and to stick with us.
They make us think, whether we want to or not… and that’s the point.
God inspires people, especially Jesus, to encourage and challenge us.
The words of Jesus (and the witness of the rest of the bible) are “words of life” (John 6:68)
Jesus gives us something solid to hang on to (firmly embedded nails).
Jesus gives us pointed words that motivate us toward wisdom and goodness (goads).
As a Jesus follower, I have decided to trust what Jesus says and does.
This doesn’t mean I find it easy, or do what he says and does.
But there is wisdom and life there, and I am choosing to lean into it.
He is my shepherd, and I want to follow his voice as his sheep.
He is my firmly embedded nail for salvation, my goad towards goodness (2 Timothy 3:15-17).
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your wisdom and life. What you say is not easy or comfortable, but it is wise and good. Help me by your Spirit to hang on to your wisdom, and to be motivated by your goodness.
One should never read Ecclesiastes without reading it to the end. The conclusion says it all – all the wise sayings – the gems and the goads – to coax and to prick us – it has its culmination and purpose in the creator God – in Jesus – serving him and living for him, like him – knowing him. Lord, teach me your ways and guide me the right paths on the way in the way – finding the truth and happiness in you!
‘Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.’
Short and sweet but this statement sums it up as what is man’s task. My task. I am not my own, but His. And He has given this command to keep His command which is summarized by the word love. Love God; love man. That must be evident in my living for Jesus. And it is only possible when He leads me and guides me in the way to go by His Spirit.
Lead me oh lord, won’t you lead me
I am tired and I need thy strength and power
To guide me over my darkest hour
For just open my eyes that I may see
Lead me oh lord, won’t you lead me
Lead me, guide me along the way
For if you lead me I cannot stray
Or just open my eyes that I may see
Lead me oh lord, won’t you lead me
I am lost if you take your hand from me
I am blind without thy light to see
Lord just always let me thy servant be
Lead me oh lord, won’t you lead me
Lead me, guide me along the way
For if you lead me I cannot stray
Lord just open my eyes that I may see
Lead me oh lord, won’t you lead me