Today’s reading: Ecclesiastes 3
The book of Ecclesiastes is a book of practical wisdom written by King Solomon late in his life. Do you remember in 2 Chronicles 1 when Solomon asked God for wisdom? Even though God granted his desire, Solomon often failed to act upon his own advice and made many unwise and sinful choices. By the time he wrote Ecclesiastes, however, Solomon had gotten to a point where he was able to reflect over his life’s journey with a sense of humility and repentance.
If I had to sum up the main point of Ecclesiastes in one sentence it would be – apart from God, EVERYTHING in life is empty, hollow, and meaningless. Do you believe this? I “believe” it because the Bible says it is true, however, I’m not sure my actions always support my stated belief. As I studied Ecclesiastes 3 this week, God put a few lessons I needed to hear on my heart. Will you review a few of them with me?
- God established order. From the moment we were born until the moment we pass from this earth, God is accomplishing his divine purpose in our lives. There is a time for everything, a season for ever activity under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
- Time matters to God. Time is often called the currency of life. Once it has passed, it can never be regained again. Thus, we should spend our time on things that matter, things that glorify God. He has made everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11a).
- We can never be completely satisfied with earthly pleasures or pursuits. Because we are created in the image of God, he is the only who can bring us complete satisfaction. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end (Ecclesiastes 3:11b).
Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us there are many things are outside our control. Even so, we can choose our own conduct, form our own character and decided whether we will follow Jesus Christ or not. Everything matters to God. Choose wisely.
I said to myself, “God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed” (Ecclesiastes 3:17).