Cornerstone

A Book Review
By Dr. Gayle Woods

Immanence. Transcendence. How often does the average Christian contemplate these attributes of God? We say that He is everywhere present but we act as if it does not make a difference. It is almost as if we place the fulcrum of our theological understanding closer to immanence so that the weight of acceptance falls on the side of transcendence, and even aloofness. We say that God cares about our every need but we only go to Him for assistance in times of crisis.

John Ortberg masterfully considers the implications of this in “God is Closer Than You Think.” He draws a word picture of his concern by taking a close look at Michelangelo Buonarroti’s brilliant painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. There God is seen reaching, stretching, straining to reach Adam. Adam is lounging in a relaxed pose. His attention is elsewhere. His hand which does not quite reach that of God’s is limp in the posture of disinterest or unconcern. Ortberg then speaks of the gap that separates the people of God from His power and assistance. Even if the gap is a hairbreadth it is a separation. The author endeavors to awaken of desire the reader to experience the touch of God. “Spiritual growth, in a sense, is simply increasing our capacity to experience the presence of God,” he states. (p. 25)

The volume is easy to read. Being structured well you are able to clearly see him build his case concerning our need to be godly people. The difference between doing and being is always a tension that weighs on the hearts of those who hunger to be close to God. What does it mean for us to know about God, and how we must live to obey His will, but to also be in close communion with Him every waking moment of the day? What does it mean to live in two worlds at the same time having just as much connection with one as with the other?

If you truly love God with your whole soul, mind and body you will enjoy this book. If you hunger for a closer relationship with God you will devour the contents of the book with a renewed hope. If you have strayed from that close walk with Him your conscience will be pricked, your heart will be stirred, and you probably will spend a considerable amount of time on your knees in repentance.

John Ortberg, God Is Closer Than You Think, 2005. Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI, ISBN: 0-310-25349-7.

Eccl 7:1-9; 9:7-10

The writer in verse 10 makes an interesting statement. Christians like to emphasize the first clause which states, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do with thy might;” but we neglect to consider the last portion. In the last half of the sentence his fatalistic, hopeless philosophy of life becomes evident again as he tells the reader why he should do everything in life with gusto. The four aspects of life, work, device, knowledge and wisdom cease as far as this existence is concerned at death. But what exactly was the writer speaking of when he used these terms? Do they mean what we assume as we read the English words?

The first word we will look at is translated work in the KJV. The root word for maaseh is asa and means to do or make. Quite often, however, asa carries an ethical connotation. In those situations it is more than a matter of doing for the sake of doing. It is a matter of doing because of Gods expectation. At other times the word is used with an emphasis on the concept of the creation of an object. When used in reference to God the word often is speaking of the acts of God within the history of mankind. . . in other words, His immanence, and His interest for humanity. This word is frequently found in the creation account of Genesis. It is broader in scope than bara which speaks of Gods creating acts. Rather it indicates the fashioning of specific objects from what He has already created.

Maaseh takes on special significance when we realize these things. It means deed, acts, business, workmanship, or purpose. It also is used in a general and in an ethical sense. When used in an ethical sense it often takes on a negative connotation. In Ecclesiastes the word is used a number of times. It refers to the events of history, “the works which have been done.” It speaks of mans work, “God now accepteth thy works.” But in an ethical sense it speaks of evil deeds and good deeds or works. Thus we could sum up the meanings to say that it essential means a persons significant contribution to the history of his life.

The word translated device in the KJV is hesheb which literally means ingenious work. Whereas maaseh referred to the physical employment of activity in order to make a significant contribution to a persons history, hesheb refers to the employment of the mind in the activity of thinking. This is not talking about trying to understand something but rather involves the creation of new ideas. At times it may take on the connotation of planning, another time it may refer to making a judgment, a third time to meditation, a fourth to inventive thoughts, or finally to an accounting.

The word for knowledge is daat and is means knowledge that is gained in various ways by the senses. It includes knowledge that is gained through the process of trial and error, technical knowledge, the contemplative perception of a wise person, and moral cogitation.

The word translated wisdom is hakam. “The essential idea of hakam represents a manner of thinking and attitude concerning lifes experiences; including matters of general interest and basic morality. These concerns relate to prudence in secular affairs, skills in the arts, moral sensitivity, and experience in the ways of the Lord.” (Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament)

Dr. Gayle Woods