"I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts." (Ecclesiastes 3:18 KJV)
"Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant - I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever." (PSALM 73:21-26 NLT)
This is actually something good; even though it's not good for us to sin, knowing that we have this infirmity is what keeps us holding more firmly to Christ, knowing that He paid the price! We cannot do anything on our own, without Christ we have no chance to be worthy enough to have fellowship with the Father; none whatsoever!
Let's break this down into something that might be easier to understand: "concerning the estate of the sons of men," is what we are born into, without a choice! You were born in the fallen state, a sinner is what you are, in need of a Saviour. "That God might manifest them," is what you need! Without God's ability to show you what you really are, you will not come to your senses and seek out the redemption that you need!
What is it that beasts all have in common? There are only a couple of instances in the Bible where any beasts have spoken: the serpent in the garden, and Balaam's donkey, and the eagle in Revelation, saying, "Wow, wow, wow, to all who dwell on the earth!" Are you an earth dweller? Is this what you call home?
Yes, we might be stuck in this place for a season, but if we have been Born Again, then this is not the place we call home! It is hard sometimes to remember that; we get caught up in this life, thinking about what others might enjoy, longing to have a little pleasure, trying to make something of substance, and just blending into everyday life.
The PSALM that is mentioned is from Asaph, as he shares about how he almost lost his way, thinking about those who were prosperous, even though they were wicked. There is nothing on this earth that can compare with what we have been given! Don't buy into the things which might anchor you to this earth...
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin." (Hebrews 12:1-4 NLT)
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