“A live dog is better off than a dead lion!” (Eccl 9:4)
Many women suffer from an inferiority complex. They feel they are not of any worth. Even though dogs are kept as pets and they watch over the flock and house, they are least respected. But a lion is least useful, yet strikes awe in the hearts of all. It is called a king. The preacher is trying to teach us an important truth here.
Something misleading is happening in this world, that is: Everybody shares a common fate. A humble woman who is dedicated to reading the Bible, praying and involving herself in some Christian activity observes another woman who does not fear God. But sadly both get viral fever, both are affected with cancer, both suffer an accident or divorce. So what happens? Some women observing all these conclude that there is no point in dedicating oneself to the teachings of the Bible. They go their own way thinking, it’s all the same (Eccl 9:1-7).
But the preacher says that a live dog is better than a dead lion. Why? The dog is still alive and there is hope (v4). It has the hope of escaping such deception. It has time to prepare itself for its death. But its counterpart, the lion, deceived itself into thinking, whether you live by God’s principle or not, it’s all the same. So the lion went on to qualify itself, gather accolades, earn riches, build houses, buy cars and even do great ministry. The dog meanwhile continued its humble estate, taking care of her little flock, home, cooking, cleaning, washing dishes and slogging over its humble ministry. The lion died and faced eternal punishment as it failed to discern the will of God and live by it (Mt 7:21). Its memory was forgotten.
Jesus hinted that the Canaanite woman was a dog. But she grabbed His statement and claimed her reward (Mt 15:26-28). She was appreciated for her faith. She was a live dog.
Those who escape this evil thought that all are same, continue to live their humble dog life, discerning God’s will at every turn of event, enter eternal life. They are live dogs, better than the dead lion.
The Preacher concludes, “Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favours what you do.” Hallelujah! No more inferiority complex! But you must be a ‘live’ dog, doing whatever your hand finds to do, to the best of your ability (Eccl 9:10). Don’t be a dead dog!
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91-416-2242943, +91-416-2248943
hq@bymonline.org
www.bymonline.org
Click here for more options
To buy books written by Dr. Lilian Stanley, kindly reach to us in the follwing address
Blessing Literature Centre
21/11 West Coovam River Road,
Chintadripet,
Chennai 600 002, India.
+91-44-28450411, 8806270699
blc@bymonline.org
“A live dog is better off than a dead lion!” (Eccl 9:4)
Many women suffer from an inferiority complex. They feel they are not of any worth. Even though dogs are kept as pets and they watch over the flock and house, they are least respected. But a lion is least useful, yet strikes awe in the hearts of all. It is called a king. The preacher is trying to teach us an important truth here.
Something misleading is happening in this world, that is: Everybody shares a common fate. A humble woman who is dedicated to reading the Bible, praying and involving herself in some Christian activity observes another woman who does not fear God. But sadly both get viral fever, both are affected with cancer, both suffer an accident or divorce. So what happens? Some women observing all these conclude that there is no point in dedicating oneself to the teachings of the Bible. They go their own way thinking, it’s all the same (Eccl 9:1-7).
But the preacher says that a live dog is better than a dead lion. Why? The dog is still alive and there is hope (v4). It has the hope of escaping such deception. It has time to prepare itself for its death. But its counterpart, the lion, deceived itself into thinking, whether you live by God’s principle or not, it’s all the same. So the lion went on to qualify itself, gather accolades, earn riches, build houses, buy cars and even do great ministry. The dog meanwhile continued its humble estate, taking care of her little flock, home, cooking, cleaning, washing dishes and slogging over its humble ministry. The lion died and faced eternal punishment as it failed to discern the will of God and live by it (Mt 7:21). Its memory was forgotten.
Jesus hinted that the Canaanite woman was a dog. But she grabbed His statement and claimed her reward (Mt 15:26-28). She was appreciated for her faith. She was a live dog.
Those who escape this evil thought that all are same, continue to live their humble dog life, discerning God’s will at every turn of event, enter eternal life. They are live dogs, better than the dead lion.
The Preacher concludes, “Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favours what you do.” Hallelujah! No more inferiority complex! But you must be a ‘live’ dog, doing whatever your hand finds to do, to the best of your ability (Eccl 9:10). Don’t be a dead dog!
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91-416-2242943, +91-416-2248943
hq@bymonline.org
www.bymonline.org
Click here for more options
To buy books written by Dr. Lilian Stanley, kindly reach to us in the follwing address
Blessing Literature Centre
21/11 West Coovam River Road,
Chintadripet,
Chennai 600 002, India.
+91-44-28450411, Mob:8806270699
blc@bymonline.org
