Today's Scripture
TODAY’S READING SCHEDULE:
Ecclesiastes 7-12
Key verse: Ecc. 12: 13-14 “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
What does this passage mean to me/us
The author continues the depressing tone that was begun in the first 6 chapters. In chapter 7, he realizes that humans are not capable of moral perfection and justice does not always occur as one deems it should. In chapter 8, the author commends obedience to earthly kings. He also bemoans the fact that the wicked sometimes receive what the righteous should and vice versa. He struggles with a traditional faith that cannot reconcile the lack of justice around him. Therefore, he declares that one should enjoy the benefits of life such as food, drink, friends as even an imperfect life is better than death. He continues this theme in chapter 9 by stating that everyone (good or bad) shares the same destiny, which is death.
Chapters 10 and 11 contain a variety of miscellaneous sayings on many different topics. The author is expounding on conventional wisdom that effects daily life. Toward the end of chapter 11, he states that life is still preferable to death and that one should especially enjoy the season of youth. He contrasts the celebration of young life in chapter 12 with the decline that comes with age. Although the author has a skeptical view of life, he still maintains that one should seek the pleasures that are available and follow God’s directions. Verses 9-14 in chapter 12 may have been added by a later editor to provide a summation that includes an affirmation of faith.
This book may seem to be a perplexing addition to the Old Testament. The author clearly defines the absolute sovereignty of God as well as his hidden nature. The tone of Ecclesiastes is in line with Hellenistic thinking, which is individualistic rather than the covenant community of Israel. Israel as a nation wasn’t overly concerned with death as life continued in subsequent generations. However, individualism promotes skepticism and the futility of life surfaces in the face of death. The author believes that people cannot really fathom the mind of God. This book shows a wise man of traditional faith struggling to answer the questions that arise when he experiences life. We all have these times of doubt and yet our faith is strengthened when we struggle. Complacency is worse than questioning and can weaken our faith. Each person must come to terms with their own meaning in life and relationship with God. – contributed by Luci Wright
Prayer
Lord, help us as we wrestle with the experiences in our life that don’t match our current beliefs. We pray for wisdom to discern your guidance and strength to follow. In Jesus name, amen.
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