Beginnings
Now Playing: How do we end; where do we start?
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Solomon could say, "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof; and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit." (Ecclesiastes 7:8) We like to start well, we must seek to end well, whether it be a calendar year, or in our Christian life. Bildad the Shuhite could answer to Job, "Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase. For enquire, I pray thee, of the former age..." (Job 8:7-8). Daniel inquired "I heard, but I understood not; then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?" (Daniel 12:8) The psalmist David could write, "Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is..." (Psalm 39:4) We have much to learn from those who have gone before of where to begin and how to end.

The Lord said to Samuel, "In that day I will perform...all things which I have spoken concerning...when I begin, I will also make an end." (1 Samuel 3:12) David could write, "He sent redemption unto His people; He hath commanded His covenant for ever; holy and reverend is His Name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have they that do His commandments; His praise endureth for ever" (Psalm 101:9-10) We know of God's Word, "Thy Word is true from the beginning; and every one of Thy righteous judgments endureth for ever." (Psalm 119:160) Even the Hebrews were instructed, "For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end". (Hebrews 3:14)

The wisest man who ever lived wrote in the Proverbs, "(v.11) For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. (v.14) Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding; I have strength. (v.17) I love them that love me, and those that seek me early shall find me. (v.20) I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment. (v.21) That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. (v.22) The Lord possessed me in the beginning of His way, before His works of old. (v.23) I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. (v.32) Now there hearken unto me, O ye children, for blessed are they that keep my ways. (v.34) Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. (v.35) For whoso findeth Me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the LORD." (Proverbs 8:11-35, selected)

"Beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself." (Luke 24:27) May we begin with the One Who was "in the beginning" and "from the beginning" (Genesis 1:1, 1 John 1:1) and Who possesses all that is of value in this life!!