Fixed Future
Then I said to myself, “As is the fate of the fool, it will also befall me. Why then have I been extremely wise?” So I said to myself, “This too is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 2:15 NASB
Fate – Is your future already set in stone? Have the fates declared what will come to be? Does God have the course of your life planned before you were born? Questions like these have occupied the thought and anxieties of men for centuries. But before we launch into debate about sovereignty and free will, let’s consider something interesting about the Hebrew word miqreh, translated “fate” in this verse. Some linguistic detective work might just change how we approach this subject.
First, we notice that miqreh is used only 8 times in Scripture, six of those in Ecclesiastes. In cases where it is not part of the thought of Koheleth, it refers to events that occur without human planning or intervention. In other words, outside of the usage in Ecclesiastes, the two cases of miqreh describe what we would call “accident.” But in Ecclesiastes, miqreh always refers to the universal end of all men – death. Michael Fox comments that in Ecclesiastes “its meaning here may have been shaped under the influence of the Greek concept tyche, which means both ‘fate’ and ‘chance.’ Even so, mikreh, unlike ‘fate’ in the strict sense, does not operate as a mechanism that brings about certain events, but is simply the event itself.”[1]
This insight is very revealing. What it suggests is that the author of Ecclesiastes may have fallen under the spell of the Greek paradigm about the future, a paradigm that viewed the future as a fixed determined sequence beyond the control of men or the gods. Unfortunately, our culture embraces versions of this paradigm, often speaking as though the sequence of cause and effect is deterministic. Under this paradigm, we are merely acting out those inevitable chains of connections put in place either by God or by cosmic accident.
But notice that miqreh doesn’t mean anything like a fixed sequence that propels us toward a pre-determined end. Even in Ecclesiastes, miqreh is merely the event of death. Death comes to all, but that doesn’t mean there is a determined path that leads each one to this conclusion. In fact, the Bible doesn’t seem to support that kind of Greek paradigm. It’s one thing to have a “universal fate” for all men (death). It’s quite another for each individual to have his or her path pre-determined.
Now do you understand the enormous difference between the Biblical worldview and the worldview of our Western culture? Will this change the way you live? Will you embrace the biblical idea that you choose your destiny? You are not set on an unalterable course. Life is really up to you. What you do is who you are.
Topical Index: fate, miqreh, determinism, death, Ecclesiastes 2:15
“barat HaShem”. If Adonai is willing. In the MiddleEast all cultures have a way of referring the outcome of future events to God being the responsible One. Most of the time when you hear “Insha ‘allah” it is a Arabic speaker trying to tell you “Yeah, yeah, if God does it all on his own it will happen, but be sure I’m not going to make any effort.”
Indeed what you do, is who you are and testifies who you believe in.
Ilze, that could also some some really negative connotations to it, “Indeed what you do, is who you are and testifies who you believe in.” what if you are a Christian/Follower of Christ Jesus & you are fighting some sort of addiction(s) – i know a man right now that is addicted to alcohol really badly & i know He is a Christian/Believer/Follower of Christ but he has a very very bad problem he can’t seem to get free from but if we believe this statement made/typed above where does the faith come in???
SO – because what he does (drinks alcohol very excessively to the point of killing himself but by the grace of God he is still alive & functioning pretty well) is what he is – just a drunk with no opportunity to change & because he still believes in God looks like God is not in this or helping him get free but i don’t believe that is true – i believe & have faith that God is going to heal & set free this man & millions of others just like him.
if people can believe this statement being so cut & dry then what is the problem with believing the other way with faith that moves mountains???
i do not believe what he does testifies WHO he believes in – i feel his body does not believe that it can survive without alcohol because it has a physical need to consume something that fuels it to live which is a lie but doesn’t make him a nullified liar in Christ… 🙁
this is too cut & dry & their are mysteries in God that we don’t understand – i prefer the mystery to the blatant black & white of differing opinions & languages – perhaps i still believe in faith & miracles & the sovereignty of God/Jesus/Holy Spirit… i truly want someone to know more than i & be perfect when i cannot be & have some control over the universe otherwise why be GOD/JESUS/HOLY SPIRIT???
“Indeed what you do, is who you are and testifies who you believe in.” sure does sound good for those doing something the public/people can actually see but for those of us who work behind the scenes & no one sees but HIM – this does not ring true for us – now does it.
THIS JUST RUBBED ME THE WRONG WAY THIS MORNING… 🙁 AND TO THINK I GOT UP REJOICING – NOW SINCE WHAT I AM DOING MEANS & TESTIFIES IN WHO I BELIEVE – IS IT THE GRINCH WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS THE ONE I BELIEVE IN NOW??? jan ♥
Jan Carver,
G-d truly knows what is in the depths of us and the intensity of our addictions and struggles….. but we will still be remembered for our words and deeds. This should sober and frighten us.
By grace we are saved and transfered from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of the Son of His love. We are changed because of the finished work of Yeshua and the moving of His precious Spirit into our lives and existence. The complexity of our struggles and the terror of our day to day lives is not something I can give adequate answer to. We too do not know fully where people have been or what their ultimate destination will be, and this should move us to a place of deep compassion toward them and great conviction for our own lives.
We are going to give an account for our deeds before the ONE who loves us the best and the most. This is something that I believe we do not reckon into our lives as much as we should. I believe by returning to our bibical roots and the people who G-d revealed Himself to, we will come away with a deeper awareness of this in our consciousness, and hopefully because of this, lived out in our day to day lives.
I have seen alcoholism played out in my family in a very personal unfortunate way. The destructions that this or any addiction brings to a family and community is beyond words to describe. Hope is found only in the redemptive saving power of our reigning King! May His name be exalted and sanctified through our lives. In His Care, Brian
Hi Jan, Don’t let this get you down. You may be going down the road of light to see things through the lens of reality. Let me be the first to say that I believe in miracles! My salvation is indeed a miracle. The mercy and grace of YWHW is indeed miraculous when considering He could have wiped me out long ago and would have been justified in doing so! I praise Him for His rich mercy to me AND my family!
However, how can you be so certain your friend is a Christian and what EXACTLY does that mean? I think part of the reason I became so interested in this blog is to find out what the meaning is of “being a Christian” when I saw so much un-Christlike activity (things being done) in the culture of Christianity. It is evident you love your friend and that is a beautiful thing, but what does it mean to say he is a Christian with an alcohol addiction? And how is he “following Christ”? It sounds as though we are not talking about someone having a beer with friends or a glass of wine with dinner. Nor does it sound as though are we talking about someone who went to a party and went beyond their ability to handle their booze on occasion. In addition, we are also not talking about someone who was born with a physiological condition either.
Alcohol addiction has been politely rephrased to make it sound like something it is not. And I wish to respectfully submit that your friend took his first episode of drunkeness and turned it into a regular habit and is now suffering the consequences of it. Scripture is clear on the practice of and acceptability of habitual drunkeness. As with tee-totalers, either end of the spectrum can be unScriptural. And to identify oneself as a Christian does not relieve the professor of their responsibility for living out an increasingly “sober” and vigilant lifestyle.
I hope this does not come off as judgmental. I can understand if some think it is just that. My major point here is that instead of waiting for G-d to magically zap your friend into soberness and to “take away” the taste for alcohol, or even more so, to take away the pain your friend has attempted to medicate away…he needs to know that this is something he chooses to do repeatedly and it is not achieving the desired result. I’ll bet he wants to quit but has a wrong view of what it will take to do so, and is looking for an easy way out.
The Christian culture I was first introduced to would have said no one could be a “true” Christian and “do” certain things, or NOT DO certain other things! They also promoted certain types of music as godly, certain types of clothing styles as godly, certain phrases as revealing as to who is a true believer, length of sleeve, hair, make-up, jewelry, particular pictures of Jesus, crosses….there is an acceptable list for differing denominations. Who said so…..?? My point is somewhat in agreement with Ilze, it is our actions that we will be held accountable for and how they align with Scripture. Look at the instances in Scripture where the judgment of YWHW fell upon people because of what they did, not their intentions.
Is your beloved friend being enabled to remain in his addiction by well meaning but Biblically unsound counsel? Is he being encouraged to get the help he needs in order to progress in the working out of his faith/obedience?
Lovingly,
Mary
Mary Mary Mary, you are preaching to the choir here dear. i grew up with an abusive alcoholic father most of my life till i got married & had my only child/son. i would have believed until just recently that you could not be an alcoholic & be saved. no, i don’t think they like being addicted to alcohol or at least in the last stages before they make a decision to stop. my mother & i have heard my dad cry out to the lord & beg Him to help him to stop – you don’t think that will humble you – just be glad you have never heard a grown man cry & beg the Lord to help him stop his addiction & the addiction did not stop. but the good news was my dad did make a decision one day to truly surrender to God & he went cold turkey & read his Bible when the urge hit & lived sober & going to church with my mother & passed away at the young age of 62 & woke up with Jesus & didn’t suffer which i felt was really merciful of God after all the hell he dealt us all our lives but did show me the true love of God for sure – i’m not so sure i would not have taken recompense & i was in awe that a man that was so cruel went out with such peace… but i rejoiced in dad’s salvation & the mercy God dealt him in death… hope i go without suffering too…♥
i don’t have much compassion for people that can’t live the Truth instead of the lie so my compassion & mercy here is probably the first i have chosen to express or feel in life – i am jaded for sure until today with what i say typed. i also know that by mercy the gifts & callings of God are without repentance & i believe this man has a calling on his life – it is not he that i would call beloved but his wife & how she suffers through this torment & how she cares so lovingly for this man bound in chains of alcoholism – it is a strength i do not know but my mother knew also. i guess you may call all of us enablers that have had to “put up with” these addicted loved ones & it is no easy task & not taking care of them & helping/enabling them is harder than taking care of them & covering over their sin with a multitude of love (which is backwards perhaps Hebraic)… ♥
so are all the people standing outside churches or getting in their cars & lighting up a cigarette not saved just because they have an addiction too??? don’t we all look for the easy way out – don’t/haven’t you done that yourself???
btw – he is not my beloved friend – i hardly ever converse with him but his wife is my beloved friend & unless you have walked in those shoes or been involved in such a lifestyle you have no idea what the situation is or how to solve it – you may think you do but you don’t & i wish i did but i don’t – wish i could just wave a magic wand & it would all be over for the both of them because the are precious people in the Lord.
until you have lived in an abusive alcoholic environment please do not make such statements as below:
“Is your beloved friend being enabled to remain in his addiction by well meaning but Biblically unsound counsel? Is he being encouraged to get the help he needs in order to progress in the working out of his faith/obedience?” if you only knew Mary you would not make these statements – no you are not judgmental you just have never walked this road/journey before or you would not be typing/talking the way you are – sounds so cut & dry & matter of fact & this will work way but it is not & i’m kinda glad you have never had to experience such cause it is true hell for those living in it…
i’m sorry but it is still the Grinch who stole Christmas again… 🙁
sorrowfully
jan
i am probably involved in the eradication of human trafficking because i have been abused myself & there is not a cut & dry method to the deliverance of fear, death, survival…
The Scripture gives as a law, to love our neighbour as ourselves. This law is a royal law, it comes from the King of kings; and if Christians act unjustly, they are convicted by the law as transgressors. To think that our good deeds will atone for our bad deeds, plainly puts us upon looking for another atonement. According to the covenant of works, one breach of any one command brings a man under condemnation, from which no obedience, past, present, or future, can deliver him. This shows us the happiness of those that are in Christ. We may serve him without slavish fear. God’s restraints are not a bondage, but our own corruptions are so. The doom passed upon impenitent sinners at last, will be judgment without mercy. But God deems it his glory and joy, to pardon and bless those who might justly be condemned at his tribunal; and his grace teaches those who partake of his mercy, to copy it in their conduct.
Observe here, the wonderful power of faith in changing sinners. Rahab’s conduct proved her faith to be living, or having power; it showed that she believed with her heart, not merely by an assent of the understanding. Let us then take heed, for the best works, without faith, are dead; they want root and principle. By faith any thing we do is really good; as done in obedience to God, and aiming at his acceptance: the root is as though it were dead, when there is no fruit. Faith is the root, good works are the fruits; and we must see to it that we have both. This is the grace of God wherein we stand, and we should stand to it. There is no middle state. Every one must either live God’s friend, or God’s enemy. Living to God, as it is the consequence of faith, which justifies and will save, obliges us to do nothing against him, but every thing for him and to him.
http://mhc.biblecommenter.com/james/2.htm
JAMES 2:13 http://bible.cc/james/2-13.htm
“there is not a cut & dry method to the deliverance of fear, death, survival”
Hi Jan,
I certainly agree with your previous points and would take a harder line on the one above
What does not ring true for me within the “Christian” worldview is their either/or attitude
That is to say in their view we are either delivered or we are in a state of fear and death
“just surviving”
Seems to me we are almost all addicted to the things of this world and afraid of death
And we are all “delivered” from this state from time to time Or we never “feel free” of it
In my experience, there also seems to be exceptions to this rule
There are folks who do not seem to be addicted to the things of this world
And they are kind, loving, gentle, non-judgemental, people who do not seem to be afraid
I always admire these people, of various religions, but they are “other” to me
And they are “few and far between” or so it seems to me
Jan, there is much lost in online conversation, however, I must say that this is definitely not a cut and dried view. I led off stating that it is simply the mercy and grace of YWHW that I am still here today and so it is with your friend. I was addicted to rebellion, hatred and fear. I thought those were OK since it seemed to me that was how most people lived out their lives…by how they felt and what they thought was right in their own mind.
I must say, my bout with drinking, although it did not turn out to be one of a physical addiction, did however, turn into one of drinking, drugging and promiscuity. These were actions that defined how I found relief from my hatred and fear, only to discover these actions actually led to increased rebellion, anger, hatred and fear. My downward spiral would eventually lead to some stupid actions and deep depression. But, in spite of all this, G-d had mercy and compassion. It would take 32 years before I heard His Voice telling me He came to bring deliverance from all that and so much more.
Yes, I DO realize life and how we live it successfully is not so cut and dried. The most remarkable thing to me is how with all our unique personalities and psychological/emotional make-ups, Yeshua had/has one standard for His Kingdom residents. These standards are defined by Scripture, but the amount of “time” any of us have to learn how to live for His glory seems to be the one factor that He alone knows.
The fact that your Dad called out to G-d for deliverance is key. He did something and G-d did help him, however, your Dad made the choice to act on the gift from G-d. I know quite a few people who are still waiting for G-d to make them do something, without realizing their responsibility to either quit or start. The choice is theirs. But I love them anyway! And the Word is still true…Yeshua is the Way, the Truth and the Life!
Mary, i’m not real sure what you mean by this:
“I know quite a few people who are still waiting for G-d to make them do something, without realizing their responsibility to either quit or start. The choice is theirs. But I love them anyway!”
jan
Hi Jan.
I could not reply to your response, so hopefully you will see this. I just happened to spot your comment.
I regret not being clear by my comment. I know people who believe they are ok to engage in negative behavior until G-d just takes the urge or desire away. Some are too weak/selfish to deal with the pain that comes with breaking the stronghold; they consider their condition as acceptable, even when their actions are selfish and affect others. If Scripture teaches for or against a behavior, we as believers obey or disobey according to our level of understanding or whether we have an idol in our heart. The “I can’t quit” is often an excuse for I really don’t want to.
The atonement of Christ is powerful and provides His followers with the ability to be overcomers. However, as the perfect One who has shown us the righteousness of G-d, a healthy fear and reverence for YHWH will provide the incentive to live as holy as possible.
I realize we all have our faults and failures, my question is…what does being a follower of Christ look like, with 80% of Americans claiming to believe in G-d but not respecting Torah.
Is profession, certain works (church attendance, etc) an indicator of an efficacious faith, without a lifestyle that glorifies our Father?
When it is all said and done, your friend, you , me, each and every one will stand before our Father and give an account for the deeds/words/lifestyle we have lived. For my friends who waited for YWHW to do what He gave them to do, well, they will also have to give their account. Whether I thought they were right, wrong, believer, unbeliever, that is not left up to me. All I have to go by is His Word…all of it.
Bless you dear sister. Praying for the overwhelming power of the Almighty One to overtake and work in the heart of your friend and his family.
Shalom
The Sovereignty of G-d and the free will of man. Notice please the word “and.” It is not either/or- it’s both.
Yes, ever living thing is destined for death. No questions, no doubts- death is going to happen. Death is a given, (just the facts m’am..) we all (Jew and Greek, male and female) are destined for death. Unhappy fact: “death happens..” (yes, Solomon, to us all).
“and to die is gain..” (Huh?) “Verily, verily, (truly, truly/ amen, amen) I say unto you.. (Who is speaking here?) “except a grain of wheat fall into the ground and die, it remains alone, but if it dies- it will bring forth much fruit..” I tell all of you (with certainty!), unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it produces a lot of grain. -How do we know this? “It is written” (John 12.24) It is the Torah of YHWH. The word of G-d. The instructions of our Master and today is a good day to die..
“I die daily” (who said this and why?) Who said “for me to live is Christ and to die is gain?” Who said “not I, but Christ?” Baptism is a picture/symbol of death and is our Bible ever full of pictures/symbolism/reality. The Hebrew language itself is full of symbols and symbolism and reality. Symbolism and pictures mysteriously parallel to the breathing side of life.
“I have been crucified with Christ nevertheless I live, yet not “I”, but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh (as I live and breath) I live by the faith of the Son of G-d who loved me and gave Himself for me.” And I have been crucified with The Messiah, and from then on I myself have not been living, but The Messiah is living in me, and this that I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of G-d, He who has loved us and Has given Himself for us. (Galatian 2.20)
“For you have died, and your life has been safely guarded by the Messiah in G-d.” (Colossians 3.3)
This may be strange reading for many and for others may it be a revelation of who we are “in Christ.” This is the key that unlocks the door: “in Christ”- “in the Anointed” -“in the Messiah.” Are you “in?” (location, location, location..)
Romans chapter six, seven and eight are so critical, but beyond critical, -vital,glaring with a white hot spotlight is the cross of the Crucified ONE. “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of Elohim.” (1 Corinthians 1.18)
“Who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, -eager to do what is good.” (Titus 2.14)
Alas! and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For such a worm as I?
At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day!
Thy body slain, sweet Jesus, Thine—
And bathed in its own blood—
While the firm mark of wrath divine,
His Soul in anguish stood.
Was it for crimes that I had done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!
Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut his glories in,
When Christ, the mighty Maker died,
For man the creature’s sin.
Thus might I hide my blushing face
While His dear cross appears,
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt my eyes to tears.
But drops of grief can ne’er repay
The debt of love I owe:
Here, Lord, I give my self away
’Tis all that I can do.
~At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light..~
So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 ESV
Embracing His grace for our salvation, does not take away our accountability before the judgment seat of Christ.
We are going to stand before the ONE who is totally Just and True! He is the Faithful King! We are going to give an account for of our deeds before the ONE who gave Himself up for us. This should both frighten and comfort us. We need to embrace both truths, our salvation in Him and our judgment by Him.
Dear All-
Here’s a story I know is true. It’s mine.
When I accepted Christ in 1979 I was a heavy user of pot and alcohol. I was always under the assumption I could quit since I had earlier done so with cigarettes. That stoppage was by my pure desire to do so because I truly believed it could kill me.
When the year 2000 rolled around I was still using pot and booze. I was also in love with God and His Word, was a regular church goer, ofter times led worship and occassionally even preached!
So why hadn’t I quit? I was convinced I now couldn’t. And I knew I could not possibly help myself.
The Good Lord knew this, too. One thing I really knew to be true was how real our relationship was, and how real my faithful involvement with Him had to be in order for things to work out and change.
One day I must have been ready, because He spoke to me in my spirit in a way I’ll never forget.
He said, “Richard, you love those substances more than you love your life.”
I was stunned both from hearing Him and hearing just how true His words were. But He had more to say. He next said, “Richard, you love those substances more than you love your wife.” That was real tough to hear but He knew I had to hear it. And He went on. “Richard, you love those substances more than you love your kids.” And finally He said, “Richard, you love those substances more than you love Me.”
The truth was overwhelming, especially hearing it from Him. My response was immediate. “That’s it, I’m done.” I meant it with all of my heart and then the miracle came. In the twinkling of an eye, my desires for those substances totally and completely stopped. Vanished!
For me, the key was our relationship. He allowed the truth to speak to me personally as only He can. I, in turn, responded as His Word tells us to do over and over. He loves when we genuinely respond to Him and in this case His response to me was to deliver me from a bondage only He could do.
In April, it will be 12 years of complete freedom in Christ. The Truth really does set you free.
Just follow Him. . . really and truly follow Him and all things are really and truly are possible!!!
Richard Pease,
Thank you for sharing dear brother your encounter with the King! His presence and power is our only source of true and lasting deliverance.
So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of G-d the Father. Philippians 2:10 ESV
Rich, thank you so much for sharing that – all the methods, books, plans, praying, crying, pleading was not what did the job – but the sweet & loving & truthful words of our loving King & Savior – that’s all it takes & you know that you know that you know when HE is truly speaking to you & you never ever forget it because it is indelibly written on your heart & in your spirit – something your mind can’t even grasp.
TRUE LOVING DELIVERANCE 4 SURE… ♥