The 17th century French philosopher and mathematician Blaise Pascal once said “Reason’s last step is the recognition that there are an infinite number of things which are beyond it.” Since Pascal was himself a Christian believer, it is quite probable he had read Ecclesiastes 8 in which Qoheleth said something quite similar. Join Pastor Jim as he helps us draw from the well of the wisdom of God preserved for us in Ecclesiastes 8.
The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
“Reason’s last step is the recognition that there are an infinite number of things which are beyond it. It is merely feeble if it does not go as far as to realize that.”
Blaise Pascal, Pensees
“To put oneself under the authority of God is a way of breaking with the cultural pressure, the demands of other people’s opinions and expectations, the interiorized demands of the advertisers, the need to get on and to get ahead. It’s a way of making for once a thoroughly non-trivial choice about the whole way one sees and lives life. It’s a way into a world in which there are real values to guide one and real truth to conform to. It may be demanding, but, unlike the irrational compulsions of consumerism and hedonism, it has a truly desirable goal in view.”
Richard Bauckham
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!
Romans 11:33
“If we take a secure perspective and try to understand the world on our own terms rather than on God’s terms, we will never escape Ecclesiastes 1. Study all the philosophy, research all the religion and pursue all the personal improvement that you please—it will still end in frustration. Human reason can only take us so far. All our learning is empty without God.”
Philip G. Ryken, Why Everything Matters
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sov’reign will.Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow’r.Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.(God Moves In a Mysterious Way by William Cowper; 1774)
And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”
Matthew 28:18
Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:3
