Ecclesiastes 12
OK. I need to finish Ecclesiastes. I find it so difficult, sometimes, to finish a project, especially a book. So, here's to accomplishing stuff.
Two observations:
1) Remember your creator.
12:1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, “I have no delight in them”;
What a great reminder--in the midst of the business of life, we need to remember our God. We need to remember our relationship with him. Too often, we remember when it is too late--or some trauma has to come into life to force us to remember--like a crashing stock market. The journey can be tough--and it is tougher without God. But when we stay in contact with God through relationship (scripture reading and prayer), then we will find joy in this journey.
2) Live for your creator
12:13 The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.
Solomon also writes in 12:12 'But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body.' Knowledge only takes us so far. Ultimately, we must live the life that God gives us, with the knowledge that we can handle, and trust him through loving obedience and submission. The relationship that arises from this trust will guide us and bring joy in the journey.
Two observations:
1) Remember your creator.
12:1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, “I have no delight in them”;
What a great reminder--in the midst of the business of life, we need to remember our God. We need to remember our relationship with him. Too often, we remember when it is too late--or some trauma has to come into life to force us to remember--like a crashing stock market. The journey can be tough--and it is tougher without God. But when we stay in contact with God through relationship (scripture reading and prayer), then we will find joy in this journey.
2) Live for your creator
12:13 The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.
Solomon also writes in 12:12 'But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body.' Knowledge only takes us so far. Ultimately, we must live the life that God gives us, with the knowledge that we can handle, and trust him through loving obedience and submission. The relationship that arises from this trust will guide us and bring joy in the journey.
Labels: Ecclesiastes, God, joy
posted by Randy Rogers at
2:35 PM
4 Comments:
'stay in contact with God through relationship (scripture reading and prayer)'
I would only add worship, fellowship, service, prophecy, teaching, evangelism, love, and continual thanks.
Thankyou for a great and enlightenening rehash of a very difficult read. You are truly blest with the Divine discernment.
You are too kind.
As to all of the ways we can stay in contact with God, I think you have just begun to scratch the surface. For me, music and scripture reading go a long way in helping understand God. For some reason, worship through music allows me to touch that emotional side of my spirit that sometimes the reading misses. Of course, we must express what we learn through love, or we miss the blessing of living what God has placed inside of us.
If you only read chapter one and chapter 12 of Eccl., are you missing much (aside from the obvious, I mean big picture...)? I asked myself that just about 3 weeks ago when I was going through it...
Ben,
I understand what you are saying. He seems to repeat himself alot. It is good writing style, though, the have a good intro and conclusion.
I think that some of the specific illustrations in the middle, particularly concerning God's sovereignty, are vital.
Of course, I can give you the canned answer: all scripture is God-breathed . . . .
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home