Life's Mysteries - Wrestling with Work - Ecclesiastes 2:18-26 and 5:18-20 - January 31, 2009

Bible Study – Life’s Mysteries –Wrestling with Work – January 31, 2010

This is our final study in our series entitled “Life’s Mysteries.”

Our scripture is Ecclesiastes 2:18-26 and 5:18-20.

This has been an interesting study on the “Mysteries of Life.” We wrap up our series of study by focusing on “Wrestling with Work.” Why do we have to work? It all began in the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve yielded to temptation and ate the forbidden fruit, death and decay entered earth.

Genesis 3:17-19:

17 And He said to Adam, “Because you listened to your wife’s voice and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘Do not eat from it’: The ground is cursed because of you. You will eat from it by means of painful labor[13] Lit it through pain all the days of your life. 18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.[14] Gn 2:5 19 You will eat bread[15] Or food by the sweat of your brow until you return to the ground, since you were taken from it. For you are dust, and you will return to dust.”

Sin still robs all humans. Salvation restores. Solomon saw some people do evil and seemed to live a charmed life but the bottom line was they would die. They would be judged by GOD. There will be a reversal of fortune. Those who are obedient to GOD and obediently serve HIM will be rewarded. “Pay-day-someday” was one of the conclusions of Solomon as he “observed life under the sun.” When Solomon used the phrase “under the sun”, he was speaking of normal activity of humans who had no thought of GOD being their helper.

Let’s read Ecclesiastes 2:18-23:

The Emptiness of Work

18 I hated all my work at which I labored under the sun because I must leave it to the man who comes after me. 19 And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will take over all my work that I labored at skillfully under the sun. This too is futile. 20 So I began to give myself over[6] Lit And I turned to cause my heart to despair concerning all my work I had labored at under the sun. 21 For there is a man whose work was done with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, but he must give his portion to a man who has not worked for it. This too is futile and a great wrong. 22 For what does a man get with all his work and all his efforts that he labors with under the sun? 23 For all his days are filled with grief, and his occupation is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is futile.

Solomon was dealing with an emotional issue. He exclaimed that he hated all the work he had done because he was going to die someday and leave it all behind for someone else to manage. He was building a barrier between him and his work because it was a painful thought to think that the person who would succeed him might be a fool instead of a wise person. The understanding of wise is coupled with a person who acknowledged GOD in his/her life. A fool was considered to be a person who denied the existence of GOD or simply did not acknowledge GOD.

Solomon considered himself as both wise and foolish. He began his rule as wise but he allowed his wives to lure him away from GOD to worship the false gods of his wives. He came face to face with the reality of what he had done. He had accumulated vast wealth but had missed the most important purpose in life, serving GOD. He was keenly aware of the difference between serving the flesh by building a life based upon his selfish desires versus allowing GOD to build and direct his life.

At the same time it was clear that Solomon was pleased with the work he had done. He realized that at his death, someone who had not worked for what he had accumulated would get it all. This was a flesh reaction whereas if he had built as GOD had directed him, he would have been the right role model for the person to succeed him. Then he would know that the work he was leaving behind was not his but GOD’S. GOD would likely continue HIS work though his successor.

Being king, he likely knew that his son Rehoboam would succeed him. And as Solomon feared, Rehoboam did succeed him and destroyed much that his father had built. Rehoboam was a poor king which resulted in the nation of Israel dividing into the Northern and Southern Kingdom.

When Solomon realized the consequences of leaving GOD out of his life, he began to despair. The word “myself” in verse 20 translates in Hebrew as “my heart.” Solomon was grieved to the very core of his being.

Verse 21 reveals that Solomon was pleased with what he had built. He used the words “wisdom” which comes from GOD, “knowledge” which is related to acknowledging GOD in your life and “skill” which relates to technical and organizing ability to get the job done. These are attributes of GOD and when a person seeks the fullness of GOD in his/her life, these attributes become a part of his/her life.

Solomon saw that GOD had been a part of his life at one time but then he had abandoned GOD during the process of building. Now, he was in full realization that he had not set the example of obeying and serving GOD and all his work was meaningless. True meaning to life comes from obediently serving GOD.

When a person follows his/her own desires, the result is grief (mental pain), sorrowful (anger) and sleepless nights. Worry is meaningless. Worry will not correct a lifetime of error and selfishness. When life is over, only what we have done for GOD will last.

Where are your priorities? Seek to obediently serve GOD with the rest of your life. It is never too late to begin to build a personal relationship with HIM through CHRIST. This is a relationship beyond salvation which is based upon trust and confidence because you and CHRIST are best friends. Just as with our best friend when a problem arises, we do not sweep it under the rug, so-to-speak, but deal with it. That is how we grow and get to know HIM in truth.

Let’s read Ecclesiastes 2:24-26:

24 There is nothing better for man than to eat, drink, and to enjoy[7] Syr, Tg; MT reads There is no good in man who eats and drinks and enjoys [8] Lit and his soul sees good his work. I have seen that even this is from God’s hand. 25 For who can eat and who can enjoy life[9] LXX, Theod, Syr read can drink apart from Him?[10] Other Hb mss, LXX, Syr read me 26 For to the man who is pleasing in His sight, He gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy, but to the sinner He gives the task of gathering and accumulating in order to give to the one who is pleasing in God’s sight. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.

Solomon connected the dots. Food and drink are important in each person’s life because they provide the energy for him/her to do work. A person can truly enjoy the fruit of his/her labor when he/she acknowledges and knows that GOD has provided what he/she has. Those who have a personal relationship with GOD reap the physical and spiritual bounty as they serve HIM. Those who do not have a personal relationship with HIM work and accumulate to satisfy themselves during their earthly life. But there will be “payday-someday” when GOD judges every person. Those who do not have a personal relationship with GOD will be the losers and those who are obedient to GOD wild reap the rewards.

When a person realizes that work is from GOD, then work becomes enjoyable. GOD is the only ONE WHO can give wisdom, knowledge and joy. Happiness depends upon circumstances, whereas joy comes from within. Joy comes from knowing GOD and that HE is involved in every aspect of the lives of believers, especially when they seek to obediently serve HIM.

Most believers want instant spiritual growth and maturity but it is through day to day living, studying GOD’S Word, yielding their lives to GOD and obediently serving HIM that they find the richness and joy of life.

Life outside of GOD’S will is futile and as elusive as trying to capture the wind.

Let’s read Ecclesiastes 5:18-20:

18 Here is what I have seen to be good: it is appropriate to eat, drink, and experience good in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of his life God has given him, because that is his reward. 19 God has also given riches and wealth to every man, and He has allowed him to enjoy them, take his reward, and rejoice in his labor. This is a gift of God, 20 for he does not often consider the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart.

We began our study with Solomon’s observation regarding work with his words “I hate all my work ----.” Now, we see that Solomon has come to a conclusion that life and work are both gifts from GOD and are to be enjoyed. Work was viewed as GOD’S reward for the short time a person was on earth to get the portion of GOD’S work intended for him/her completed. JESUS had this same sense of urgency at the age of twelve (12) years old as revealed in Luke 2:41-50:

The Boy Jesus Amazes the Scholars

41 His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; 44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day's journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. 48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously." 49 And He said to them, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" 50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. (NKJV)

JESUS was anxious to get started but maybe HE needed to learn to wait upon GOD, HIS FATHER. We see the willingness of HIS heart to serve. HE knew life was short and HE needed to hit the road running but as HIS FATHER directed.

In verse 18, Solomon used the word “good” which means pleasant or agreeable. In the context of “agreeable”, Solomon was tying what he had observed to be agreeable with GOD’S plan for the lives of believers.

GOD intends for those who serve HIM to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Those who have a personal relationship with GOD and obediently serve HIM find the true joy of living. It is “appropriate” which means “to be fair” or “beautiful.” GOD’S earthly “reward” means to receive a share, lot or portion of life for those obediently serving HIM.

GOD has given riches and wealth to each person. When I read that, I thought “Well where is mine?” Solomon had a different take on this matter. In the context of GOD guiding a person’s life, HE has equipped each obedient person with sufficient wealth, spiritual and material to accomplish what HE had intended for him/her to accomplish.

As the result of obedience to GOD, GOD allows that person to “enjoy” the riches and wealth. GOD gives the power to enjoy or “to eat” the fruit of their labor. This goes beyond the physical enjoyment of being obedient to GOD. It incorporates the spiritual joy and satisfaction that can only come from being completely obedient to GOD. JESUS gives us a glimpse of this all consuming joy in John 4:28-34: (JESUS’ disciples had gone to get food for them. JESUS was alone next to a well in Samaria. Along came a woman to draw water from the well. JESUS talked to her and she finally saw HIM as the promised Messiah. HIS disciples returned and the woman left to tell others about this man she met.)

28 Then the woman left her water jar, went into town, and told the men, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could this be the Messiah?” 30 They left the town and made their way to Him. 31 In the meantime the disciples kept urging Him, “• Rabbi, eat something.” 32 But He said, “I have food to eat that you don’t know about.” 33 The disciples said to one another, “Could someone have brought Him something to eat?” 34 “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work,” Jesus told them.

Such joy is a gift from GOD and it includes both the joy of physical and spiritual work.
Some of us live long and others live shorter lives but regardless of the length of time we have upon earth those who obediently serve GOD are too busy to allow despair to come into their lives. They have the joy of knowing that their labor is what GOD wants them to do. The old saying is, “Times flies when you are having fun.” This concept is captured in verse 20.

We will end as we began our first study with Solomon’s final conclusion revealed in
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14:

13 When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is: • fear God[6] Ec 3:14; 5:7; 7:18; 8:12–13 and keep His commands, because this [is for]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. all humanity. 14 For God will bring every act to judgment,[7] Ec 3:17; 11:9 including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.
Blessings to all and May all experience the joy of the LORD as you labor “Under the SON.”

Life's Mysteries - Wrestling with Stuff - Ecclesiastes 2 and 5 - January 24, 2010

Bible Study – Life’s Mysteries – Wrestling with Stuff – January 24, 2010

This is study four (4) in our series entitled “Life’s Mysteries.”

Our scripture is Ecclesiastes 2:4-8; 5:10-16.

“Wrestling with Stuff”, what a statement because most of us have stuff. We all work to get stuff because stuff is supposed to make us happy. But most of us have lived long enough to know that the excitement of getting stuff soon fades. Many of us know the joy of getting a boat only to find that getting rid of that boat brings greater joy. Often a new car offers the same pain, especially when we get a lemon. Stuff has to be maintained and often becomes a burden.

Solomon was king and he had stuff on top of stuff. Let’s explore his conclusion about having stuff. Again, the underlying theme is that most of us think that our ability to earn the stuff we have comes for us and therefore it belongs to us. GOD provides the opportunity and the increase. How we use the ability GOD gives us is our choice. HIS desire is for us to use it according to HIS plan and purpose, as HE leads us. This requires an intimate relationship with HIM through CHRIST.

Let’s read Ecclesiastes 2:4-8:

The Emptiness of Possessions

4 I increased my achievements. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. 5 I made gardens and parks for myself and planted every kind of fruit tree in them. 6 I constructed reservoirs of water for myself from which to irrigate a grove of flourishing trees. 7 I acquired male and female servants and had slaves who were born in my house. I also owned many herds of cattle and flocks, more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. 8 I also amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I gathered male and female singers for myself, and many concubines, the delights of men.[3] LXX, Theod, Syr read and male cupbearers and female cupbearers; Aq, Tg, Vg read a cup and cups; Hb obscure

Solomon had houses, vineyards, fruit trees, servants and slaves to take care of the things. His slaves reproduced and produced more slaves. He had cattle, flocks, silver, gold, singers and concubines. What more can a man ask for? But did all this bring satisfaction? No.

Solomon had staggering wealth but his conclusion was it was all meaningless. Stuff does not bring fulfillment and satisfaction. Only GOD can fill the true void in our lives.

1 Kings 7:1: (Chapter 7 gives some of the details of the palace-complex and the opulence of Solomon.)

1 Solomon completed his entire palace-complex after 13 years of construction.

1 Kings 10:14-29: (Gives details of Solomon’s massive wealth.)

Solomon’s Wealth

14 The weight of gold that came to Solomon annually was 25 tons,[5] Lit 666 talents 15 besides what came from merchants, traders’ merchandise, and all the Arabian kings and governors of the land. 16 King Solomon made 200 large shields of hammered gold; 15 pounds[6] Lit 600 (shekels) of gold went into each shield. 17 He made 300 small shields[7] 2 Sm 1:21; 2 Kg 19:32; Isa 21:5 of hammered gold; about four pounds[8] Lit three minas of gold went into each shield. The king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon.[9] 1 Kg 7:2–5 18 The king also made a large ivory throne and overlaid it with fine gold. 19 The throne had six steps; there was a rounded top at the back of the throne, armrests on either side of the seat, and two lions standing beside the armrests. 20 Twelve lions were standing there on the six steps, one at each end. Nothing like it had ever been made in any other kingdom. 21 All of King Solomon’s drinking cups were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, since it was considered as nothing in Solomon’s time, 22 for the king had ships of Tarshish at sea with Hiram’s fleet, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.[10] Or baboons [11] 2 Ch 9:13–21 23 King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the world in riches and in wisdom. 24 The whole world wanted an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. 25 Every man would bring his annual tribute: items[12] Or vessels, or weapons of silver and gold, clothing, weapons,[13] Or fragrant balsam spices, and horses and mules.[14] 2 Ch 9:22–24 26 Solomon accumulated 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen[15] 1 Kg 4:26 and stationed them in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem. 27 The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedar as abundant as sycamore in the Judean foothills. 28 Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and Kue.[16] = Cilicia (modern Turkey) The king’s traders bought them from Kue at the going price. 29 A chariot was imported from Egypt for 15 pounds[17] Lit 600 shekels [of silver]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , and a horse for about four pounds.[18] Lit 150 shekels In the same way, they exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and to the kings of Aram through their agents.[19] Dt 17:16; 2 Ch 1:14–17; 9:25–28

GOD not only gave Solomon wisdom but also great wealth. Why did GOD allow Solomon to accumulate such great wealth? Solomon had the opportunity to use his wealth for good or to use it for himself. I believe it is a message for us. Most of us struggle to accumulate. Solomon topped the list for accumulating stuff. He was richer than all the kings but did it bring him joy? No. He wanted to build and accumulate more until he began observing things “under the sun.” We know that his final conclusion of what really brings joy into a person’s life is to obediently serve GOD. Life is not about gaining stuff but what we do with the stuff our LORD allows us to accumulate.

I know many of us have suffered economic loss in these difficult economic times. I know we took an economic hit. I realized that what we have kept was what we had given away.

Let’s read Ecclesiastes 5:8-14:

The Realities of Wealth

8 If you see oppression of the poor and perversion of justice and righteousness in the province, don’t be astonished at the situation, because one official protects another official, and higher officials [protect]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. them. 9 The profit from the land is taken by all; the king is served by the field.[5] Or An advantage for the land in every respect is a king for a cultivated field; Hb obscure 10 The one who loves money is never satisfied with money, and whoever loves wealth [is]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. never [satisfied]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. with income. This too is futile. 11 When good things increase, the ones who consume them multiply; what, then, is the profit to the owner, except to gaze at them with his eyes? 12 The sleep of the worker is sweet, whether he eats little or much; but the abundance of the rich permits him no sleep. 13 There is a sickening tragedy I have seen under the sun: wealth kept by its owner to his harm. 14 That wealth was lost in a bad venture, so when he fathered a son, he was empty-handed.

Wealth results in oppression and the perversion of justice and righteousness. Those who have the wealth usually have friends in high places that have friends in higher places that can skew the system to work to their favor. Money talks – even the king profits from a cultivated field. Not much has changed in 3,000 years.

Solomon zeros in on the love of money in verse 10. The word “love” as used in the
Hebrew text carried the idea of an ongoing, continuous action. It was not a temporary action or desire. The Apostle Paul writes in 1Timothy 6:10:

10 For the love of money is a root[5] Or is the root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.

Hebrews 13:5-6:

5 Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you.[3] Dt 31:6 6 Therefore, we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?[4] Ps 118:6

It is the “love of money” that is the problem, not having money or wealth. Believers must focus on the fact that GOD is the provider of material wealth. How they use it is their decision. HIS desire is that all will use their material wealth and spiritual wealth as HE desires.

Solomon had observed that the wealthy or those who love their money or the stuff they have accumulated are never satisfied. Whether the increase was money or harvest, those who love to accumulate want to accumulate just a little bit more.

Verse 11 – Those who have wealth discover they have many so-called friends. The wealthy can watch their so-called friends enjoy their wealth, as long as it lasts. We know of a number of people who have won the lottery and all of a sudden they have many people wanting them to share their wealth with them.

Verse 12 – Those who work for a living sleep well at night whether or not they eat little or much. But those who have abundance and love it cannot sleep because of fear of losing it.

Verses 13-14 – Solomon had observed that certain wealthy people watched over their assets to make certain they do not lose them. It seems that the wealthy person was so fearful of losing their assets that it occupied all his time. The use of the words “sickening tragedy” in Hebrew carried the idea of ongoing, continuous action. That was all a person could think about. When the wealthy invest their wealth to earn more, it can vanish in a bad venture. A person or couple can accumulate an estate with the intent of passing it on to their child or children and it can vanish. The most important thing that a person or people can pass on to their loved ones is a relationship with GOD. That is secure and eternal.

People and especially believers must keep in mind WHO provides the opportunity to have possessions. GOD urged the Israelites, through Moses, to be careful when they began enjoying the bounty from the Promised Land as recorded in Deuteronomy 8:7-20:

7 For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land with streams of water, springs, and deep water sources, flowing in both valleys and hills; 8 a land of wheat, barley, vines, figs, and pomegranates; a land of olive oil and honey; 9 a land where you will eat food without shortage, where you will lack nothing; a land whose rocks are iron and from whose hills you will mine copper. 10 When you eat and are full, you will praise the Lord your God for the good land He has given you. 11 “Be careful that you don’t forget the Lord your God by failing to keep His command—the ordinances and statutes—I am giving you today. 12 When you eat and are full, and build beautiful houses to live in, 13 and your herds and flocks grow large, and your silver and gold multiply, and everything else you have increases, 14 [be careful]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. that your heart doesn’t become proud and you forget the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery. 15 He led you through the great and terrible wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, a thirsty land where there was no water. He brought water out of the flintlike rock for you. 16 He fed you in the wilderness with manna[3] Ex 16:4 that your fathers had not known, in order to humble and test you, so that in the end He might cause you to prosper. 17 You may say to yourself, ‘My power and my own ability have gained this wealth for me,’ 18 but remember that the Lord your God gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant He swore to your fathers, as it is today. 19 If you ever forget the Lord your God and go after other gods to worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will perish. 20 Like the nations the Lord is about to destroy before you, you will perish if you do not obey the Lord your God.

The underlying idea is that those who hold wealth in such high esteem are missing the point. Wealth can vanish in a heartbeat. True wealth is in obeying and serving GOD. So do not focus on that which can be taken away so quickly but focus upon that which will last eternally. Always keep in mind that GOD gives the increase both physically and spiritually.

JESUS had several things to say about true wealth in Mark 12:41 and Matthew 6:19-21:

Mark 12:41-44:

41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

In GOD’S eyes it is not the size of the gift but the attitude of the heart. Give as GOD leads you to give. Our attitude toward possessions can be a great barrier to obediently serving GOD.

Matthew 6:19-21:

God and Possessions (JESUS is speaking)

19 “Don’t collect for yourselves treasures[14] Or valuables on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The most valuable thing a parent can pass on to their children is eternal life through faith in JESUS CHRIST. The most valuable investment a believer can make is to obediently serve GOD with his/her possessions, time, a kind word, a helping hand or a cup of cold water. All things, money, time, possessions come from HIM for us to obediently use as we serve HIM.

Ecclesiastes 5:15-16:

15 As he came from his mother’s womb, so he will go again, naked as he came;[6] Jb 1:21 he will take nothing for his efforts that he can carry in his hands. 16 This too is a sickening tragedy: exactly as he comes, so he will go. What does he gain who struggles for the wind?

This is where the rubber hits the road. Bottom line, every one of us came into this world naked, empty handed and without anything and we will all leave this world empty handed. Only what we have invested in GOD’S treasury will be waiting for us in heaven.

Solomon used the word “sickening” which is the Hebrew word for ongoing, continuous action. To Solomon accumulating wealth at the expense of neglecting GOD was indeed a tragedy. Just as a person tries to capture the wind, it is futile for a person to foolishly pursue accumulating wealth believing he/she can hang on to it. It can be gone in a flash, whereas, those who seek to build a dynamic relationship with GOD carry their wealth into eternity.

When the world conqueror Napoleon died, he had requested that his hands be displayed for all to see that even though he led armies to conquer the world, he took nothing with him.

Solomon concluded there was no point in trying to argue or defeat GOD. Death is the great equalizer for all people. Lay up treasure in heaven by obediently serving GOD.

Life's Mysteries - Wrestling with Injutice - Ecclesiastes 3, 4, 8 - January 17, 2010

Bible Study – Life’s Mysteries – Wrestling with Injustice – January 17, 2010

This is lesson three (3) in our series of study entitled “Life’s Mysteries.”

Our scripture is Ecclesiastes 3:16-17; 4:1; 8:2-13.

King Solomon wrote the book of Ecclesiastes late in his life after he had done it all and accomplished all the desires of his. His conclusion to living life by enjoying what the entire world could provide and satisfying the desires of the flesh was meaningless and the only real meaning to life was to obediently serve GOD.

He looked around him at all the human activities “under the sun” and observed the injustices in the court system and powerful people oppressing others. To me one of the attributes of a good manager or leader is for him/her to observe what is going on; who is doing what he/she is supposed to be doing by periodically walking around or through his/her area of responsibility. It does not take long before a pattern emerges. Solomon used the phrase “under the sun” to mean the normal everyday activities people did in everyday life.

Solomon discovered injustices and oppressions as he observed life “under the sun.” This is a message to us. GOD wants believers to open their eyes to the things going on around them on a daily basis. When believers observe injustices or oppressions, what do they do about them? Most often, we do not want to get involved. Should we? Let the LORD lead you.

Let’s read Ecclesiastes 3:16-17:

The Mystery of Injustice and Death

16 I also observed under the sun: there is wickedness at the place of judgment and there is wickedness at the place of righteousness. 17 I said to myself, “God will judge the righteous and the wicked, since there is a time for every activity and every work.”

Solomon was observing life’s activities “under the sun” and he observed wickedness in the court system. Those judging were to be guided by the Law of Moses, thus the use of the word “place of righteousness” referring to the court system. If those judging others were righteous then there would not have been wickedness in the court system. Again, he was observing the absence of GOD in the lives of those responsible for judging others in a system that should show no prejudice or injustice.

The phrase “place of righteousness” could be expanded to include all human activity where people deal with each other.

Even though those meting out judgment were not executing their job as GOD desired, GOD would be the final judge for all human beings.

In life “under the sun” people think they will get away with their unrighteous deeds but GOD will judge every person according to the responsibility HE has given them. GOD appoints and allows certain people to fill certain positions of responsibility “under the sun” and HE will hold them accountable for their actions.

Solomon was coming from the point of view, as we saw in our last study, Ecclesiastes 3:11a - 11 He (GOD) has made everything appropriate[3] Or beautiful in its time.
Solomon saw GOD as sovereign in all things. People can ignore GOD but judgment day will come.

Let’s read Ecclesiastes 4:1:

1 Again, I observed all the acts of oppression being done under the sun. Look at the tears of those who are oppressed; they have no one to comfort them. Power is with those who oppress them; they have no one to comfort them.

Solomon continued to reveal activities he had observed “under the sun.” He observed acts of oppression. Oppression occurs when a power or person with power takes advantage of those subject to that power. I immediately thought of those on Medicare and Medicaid. Let’s look at what is happening today with our own government. Our government needs money to fund programs the current leadership thinks is good for the people. Because our government has the power and it needs money for these new programs, the current leadership is taking it from those who need medical care. Thus those on Medicare and Medicaid become the oppressed. The insurance industry is another example. They can deny a claim or increase our premium and there is little we can do, if we want to keep insurance. The electric and gas companies appeal to a commission and if approved, they raise our rates.

Those on Social Security are not getting a cost-of-living increase for the next two (2) years but some in the government are. The current leaders are living like kings and queens as they fly from one place to another in these hard economic times. At least we have the power of our vote but people in Solomon’s day did not have that privilege. They could appeal to the king. It is interesting that King Solomon was king and could right some of the wrongs he was observing.

In some of our lifetimes we have seen the rise and fall of Hitler, Edi Amin, former leader of Uganda, the atrocities in Rwanda and many other examples of a group oppressing others in a country. America is a great country but we the people must, remain in control by exercising our rights as citizens or else we will become the oppressed. When a group is not the oppressed group they tend to remain silent as long as they are not affected.

There is an appropriate quote made by the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. “The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.”

Most of us do not want to get involved. We think that things will work themselves out in due time. But when we wake up one day to find our freedom gone and paying higher and higher taxes without any additional benefit, we will ask ourselves, “How did this happen?”

Let’s read Ecclesiastes 8:2-9:

2 Keep[1] Some Hb mss, LXX, Vg, Tg, Syr; other Hb mss read I, keep the king’s command. Concerning an oath by God, 3 do not be in a hurry. Leave his presence, and don’t persist in a bad cause, since he will do whatever he wants. 4 For the king’s word is authoritative, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?” 5 The one who keeps a command will not experience anything harmful, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure. 6 For every activity there is a right time and procedure, even though man’s troubles are heavy on him. 7 Yet no one knows what will happen, because who can tell him what will happen? 8 No one has authority over the wind[2] Or life-breath to restrain it, and there is no authority over the day of death; there is no furlough in battle, and wickedness will not allow those who practice it to escape. 9 All this I have seen, applying my mind to all the work that is done under the sun, at a time when one man has authority over another to his harm.

Solomon continued to address injustice and oppression and what a person can try to do to address those issues. Those receiving injustice or being oppressed can go to the king for help. But a person must be careful when he/she approaches the king. There was a certain procedure. Solomon advised that a person carefully consider his/her request and that the person makes sure he/she was not guilty of violating the king’s commands. A person did not need to come in the presence of the king with an issue the king could use against him/her.

The use of the statement “Concerning an oath by GOD, do not be in a hurry” is interpreted in a number of ways. Some Bible scholars tie the statement to a person’s responsibility to obey the king as they would obey GOD. Some interpret the “do not be in a hurry” phrase to mean do not leave the king’s presence when things are not going your way, which is captured in the New International Version (NIV) of

Ecclesiastes 8:2-4:

(2) Obey the king’s command, I say, because you took an oath before God. (3) Do not be in a hurry to leave the king’s presence. Do not stand up for a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases. (4) Since a king’s word is supreme, who can say to him, “What are you doing?”

In verse 3, as you can see in the Holman version, which is used in our studies, versus the New International version, the placement of the period changes the interpretation. I will confuse you further. “Hurry” can be translated “troubled.” So another way to look at verse 3 is don’t be troubled or (my words) intimidated when you are in the presence of the king. Be courteous and not having to hang your head because you have disobeyed the king. But since you are coming from being a loyal subject to the king and you have considered your request carefully, go into the presence of the king with confidence.

I am taking the approach of what I think was the underlying idea behind Solomon’s thinking. I think Solomon was comparing the authority and power of the king to the authority and power GOD. The foundation of Jewish governance for those in power was to follow and obey the commandments of GOD, both in their personal life and in governing.

Solomon was telling people to obey the king’s commands, because they follow the commandments of GOD. However, if the king’s commands were contrary to GOD’S, then a person could question the king’s commands but he must be careful in doing so.

Certain kings required those getting an audience with him to discuss an issue to enter and leave his presence in a prescribed manner. People would enter the king’s presence and wait for the king to indicate whether or not they could come closer to him for him to hear their request. If the king was in a bad mood he could have a person executed or thrown into prison for simply being in his presence.

If the king did not indicate for the person to come closer he/she should not press the issue and gracefully leave hoping for another opportunity. Kings have an ego and use their power to control others.

There were also “courtiers” who were trained how to approach the king and could be approached to present a person’s request to the king. When a person approached the king, he/she had to be certain he/she had obeyed the commands of the king or else his/her request was destined for rejection. Plus the person making the request could be punished or put to death.

When a person was obeying the commands of the king, he/she had nothing to fear from the king. Because of the authority and power of the king, a person better think long and hard before asking him “What are you doing?” There was a right time and procedure for approaching the king even though a certain matter weighed heavy on a person’s mind. He/she must choose the appropriate time to wisely approach the king.
Solomon says that no one can tell a person needing to approach a king, what the outcome would be. He compared the uncertain decision and power of the king to the uncertainty and power of the wind, death, trying to furlough troops during a battle or trying to escape from the grasp of wickedness.

These are the things Solomon had observed “under the sun” when a person of power has authority over others and wants to do him/her harm.

Parallel to the king’s authority was the authority and power of GOD. No person, regardless of his/her power or authority, has power or authority over the wind, natural death, to win a battle by telling the troops to take a holiday or to win a spiritual battle once enslaved by wickedness. Only GOD has the power and authority for this. By the same token, GOD does not use HIS authority or power to oppress people or to harm them.

Let’s read Ecclesiastes 8:10-13:

10 In such circumstances, I saw the wicked buried. They came and went from the holy place, and they were praised[3] Some Hb mss, LXX, Aq, Theod, Sym; other Hb mss read forgotten in the city where they did so. This too is futile. 11 Because the sentence against a criminal act is not carried out quickly, therefore the heart of • people is filled [with the desire]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. to commit crime. 12 Although a sinner commits crime a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I also know that it will go well with God-fearing people, for they are reverent before Him. 13 However, it will not go well with the wicked, and they will not lengthen their days like a shadow, for they are not reverent before God.

Solomon continued to report on things he had observed “under the sun.” He had observed wicked people, who had harmed others, worshiping. These wicked people tried to cover their wickedness by seeming to be religious. But they died like anyone else. After they were buried, people praised them. People praised them but what good was human praise because the praise that was important was the praise from GOD for being obedient to HIM. The wicked people were only fooling themselves to think that they could go through the motions of worship and GOD would overlook their evil deeds. Another consideration was that the evil people thought that because they went through the motions of worship, GOD had blessed them because they were prosperous. In Solomon’s day those who were rich were considered blessed by GOD. This sent the wrong message to those who thought that the evil doers were so cool in getting away with their evil deeds. Little did those watching know they were being led to becoming entangled by the same evil snare.

It seemed that those who were wicked got away with their wickedness. They were buried and people praised them. People saw that they had prospered from their wicked deeds and nothing was done about it either by the authorities or GOD. It seemed that the wicked got away with their wrong doing, which influenced others to join them in their practice because punishment for their evil deeds was slow.
Likely, we have all known or heard about people who were wicked and prospered while GOD fearing people suffered. We ask why? Solomon was saying there will be “payday some day.” The final judge will be GOD and although the wicked seem to get away with their evil deeds in this life, they will be judged by GOD. Those who respect GOD and seek a relationship with HIM will receive the benefit of having been obedient to GOD when they stand before HIM on Judgment Day. “Pay day someday” will be the final judgment by GOD and it will be for eternity.

The bottom line is that the wicked seem to have their day upon earth but there will be a reversal in eternity. The righteous will reap the rewards of their obedience to GOD for all eternity.

Folks, there will be “Payday some day.” Are you prepared to stand before GOD? Do want to have the assurance that you will not be judged? The answer was recorded in John 5:24: (These are the words of JESUS.)

24 “I assure you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.

Now that is Good News!

Ask CHRIST to forgive you of your sins and ask HIM to come into your life today. If you did ask HIM, then thank HIM because you have been born anew into the family of GOD and you have become HIS child. Read the Bible. I suggest beginning with the Gospel of John. The HOLY SPIRIT will lead you to all truth in the eyes of your heart.

Life's Mysteries - Wrestling with Time - Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 - January 10. 2010

Bible Study – Life’s Mysteries – Wrestling with Time – January 10, 2010.

This is study two (2) in our series entitled “Life’s Mysteries.”

Our scripture is Ecclesiastes 3:1-14.

In our first study, we learned that life separate from GOD is mundane, monotonous, meaningless and empty. How often have we said, “If only I can achieve this or that”, only to find when we achieve “this or that”, the euphoria lasts for a short time and we think “Is this all there is?”

Solomon had achieved whatever he desired physically from a flesh point-of-view and he found life meaningless. We learned in our last study that he concluded that the only true, meaningful, value in life came from obediently serving GOD.

In this study we will consider the value of time.

Dr. Henry Blackaby has stated that people were not made for time but for eternity. The Hebrew word for “eternity” carries the idea of a state of being that is not tied to the present or being bound by time. Eternity looks back to eternity past and eternity forward. When a believer accepts CHRIST as his/her SAVIOR, he/she receives the gift of eternal life. What does that mean? Does that mean that we are eternal? Yes! Does that mean we existed in eternity past and will exist in eternity future? Yes. Let’s ponder this.

My favorite verse of scripture is Ephesians 1:4:

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,[2] Eph 1:20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12 in Christ; 4 for He chose[3] Rm 11:5–7; 1 Co 1:26–31; 1 Th 1:4; 2 Th 2:13; 1 Pt 1:1–2 us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight.[4] Vv. 3–14 are 1 sentence in Gk. In love[5] Or In His sight in love

Where were you before you were conceived? Read the bold letters in the verse above. In my opinion, we were in the mind and heart of GOD. GOD with HIS foreknowledge knew that we would exist. HE knew the time we would be conceived, who our parents would be, the moment we would be born, the place and circumstances of our birth. HE knows our paths of life, the choices we will make, whether or not we will choose to become Christians and HE knows when we will die. HE gave believers time to be perfected into the image of HIS SON, JESUS.

Does HIS foreknowledge predestine people? In my opinion, no! The foreknowledge of GOD allows HIM to know what will happen but it does not force it to happen. HE gives all people the freedom of choice. If HE did not give people freedom of choice, then, in my opinion, no one would go to hell but this is not the case. GOD will give every person the opportunity to accept or reject CHRIST as his/her SAVIOR. That is the task HE has chosen for Himself. HE can use believers as part of HIS plan to present the message of salvation to others but HE issues the invitation.

To ponder time and consider time is an exciting adventure. Every human has time and it is important that we use it wisely. Solomon concluded that the wisest use of time is to obediently serve GOD. That means as we pursue our career path, as led by GOD, we obediently serve HIM. GOD calls believers to be ordained mechanics, garbage collectors, window washers, truck drivers, surgeons, pastors, teachers, missionaries, maids and the list goes on and on. GOD does the calling and believers respond accordingly.

The Apostle Paul spoke of time in Ephesians 5:16-18:

15 See then that ye walk circumspectly (carefully), not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; (KJV)

When believers use their time wisely, they redeem their time because in the fallen state of our world, Satan’s desire is for people, believers or non-believers, to waste their time.

I had never thought that time needed to be redeemed. I knew nature was anxiously waiting to be redeemed – Romans 8:19-21:

(19) For (even the whole) creation (all nature) waits expectantly and longs earnestly for God’s sons/daughters* to be made known – waits for the revealing, the disclosing of their sonship/daughtership*. (20) For the creation (nature) was subject to frailty – to futility, condemned to frustration – not because of some intentional fault on its part, but by the will of Him Who so subjected it. [Yet] with the hope. [Eccl. 1:2] (21) That nature (creation) itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and corruption [and gain an entrance] into the glorious freedom of God’s children. *Added (Amplified Version)

When Adam and Eve sinned, they incurred death just as GOD had told them they would if they ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The Bible reveals that the Tree of Life was also in the garden. GOD hastened to block them from eating from the Tree of Life after they sinned because if they had eaten from the Tree of Life, they would have lived forever in their fallen, sinful state. When they sinned, death and decay entered earth.

In eternity there is no time or decay.

When Adam and Eve and all their descendants were cast out of eternity, they and all mankind became subject to time and decay, as well as, all nature. In order for mankind to be restored to eternal life, GOD sent HIS ONLY SON, JESUS, to pay the penalty for the original sin. Anyone who accepts CHRIST as his/her SAVIOR is restored to eternal life, immediately, through the miracle of rebirth. But nature must wait to be redeemed from decay.

GOD will redeem time and nature from decay when there is a new heaven and a new earth.

GOD created time when HE created the world. HE created the sun and the moon. HE separated the night from the day, which gives a measure of time. Earth needs the sunshine of the day and darkness of night for things to grow to sustain life upon earth. Before Adam and Eve sinned was the earth in a state of eternity because there was no death or decay therefore no need for time?

The sin of Adam, which was the original sin, brought death to mankind and decay. The element of decay was the result of Adam’s sin, which was added as a component of time, therefore, humans in their fallen state age. Do I know for sure? No! But it is an interesting thought to prayerfully ponder.

Look at what GOD told Adam in Genesis 3:17-19:

17 And He said to Adam, “Because you listened to your wife’s voice and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘Do not eat from it’: The ground is cursed because of you. You will eat from it by means of painful labor[13] Lit it through pain all the days of your life. 18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.[14] Gn 2:5 19 You will eat bread[15] Or food by the sweat of your brow until you return to the ground, since you were taken from it. For you are dust, and you will return to dust.”

The physical and environmental dynamics of earth changed significantly after Adam and Eve sinned. The consequences of sin are devastating.

The scripture in our study is some of the most used scripture in the Bible. Let’s explore!

Let’s read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8:

The Mystery of Time
1 There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven: 2 a time to give birth and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot;[1] Lit uproot what is planted 3 a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build; 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; 5 a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;[2] 2 Kg 3:19,25; Isa 5:12 a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing; 6 a time to search and a time to count as lost; a time to keep and a time to throw away; 7 a time to tear and a time to sew; a time to be silent and a time to speak; 8 a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace.

We know from our last study that Solomon acknowledged that the only real meaning to life came from obediently serving GOD. In verse 1 of this scripture, the sovereignty of GOD is evident. GOD is the universal power, planner and controller of all things. HE is sovereign. HE knows the complete time for all things to take place. HE can look to eternity past and to eternity future. HE can look to time past and time future. Mankind can look at time past and time present. Mankind can plan for the future but the sovereignty of GOD allows HIM to know and control the future. Thus there is a time for everything, such as:

- a time to give birth and a time to die;
- a time to plant and a time to uproot;[1] Lit uproot what is planted

Solomon begins with the time span to which people can relate – birth to death – life. In that time span there are normal tasks people must perform such as planting to raise food and when harvest is over the crops are plowed under to prepare for the next crop.

- a time to kill and a time to heal;
- a time to tear down and a time to build;

This scripture has a number of interpretations. One thought is there are times when people need to take matters into their hands to defend themselves. Once they have defended themselves they need to not hold a grudge. There are many others thoughts on this.

- a time to weep and a time to laugh;
- a time to mourn and a time to dance;

Life brings sad times and happy times. Mourn when it is appropriate and rejoice during the good times. The idea is that life brings an assortment of issues into our lives. When we focus on the sovereignty of GOD, we can see the big picture and see HIS care for us during these various times.

- a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;[2] 2 Kg 3:19,25; Isa 5:12
- a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing;

This also has several interpretations. One thought is an enemy throws stones into a field to disrupt the use of the field for producing food. Once the feud or battle is over then restore the relationship. Another is related to reproduction. There is a time for parents to have children and a time when they should not have children. Those that hold this view connect the throwing of stones/gathering stones to embracing/avoid embracing. This relates to sexual abstinence. There are others thoughts as well.

- a time to search and a time to count as lost;
- a time to keep and a time to throw away;

This seems to focus on when something is lost, look for it but after looking for a reasonable amount of time then consider it lost. Connected to this thought is there are times when one needs to make an assessment of the things he/she has and keep what he/she uses and throw or give away the things he/she does not use.

- a time to tear and a time to sew;
- a time to be silent and a time to speak;

This also has a number of interpretations. When people mourn, they used to tear their clothes. When mourning was over then repair the torn clothes and return to the normal activities of life. Tied to mourning is a time to be silent and mourn. After a person mourns, then they should speak and interact with others.

- a time to love and a time to hate;
- a time for war and a time for peace.

There is a time to love and a time to hate. As Christians we are challenged to love the sinner but hate the sin. We can hate the things GOD hates. There is a time for war. People are to pick when they go to war. There is a time for peace. People need to carefully choose when consider going to war or considering peace.

Let’s read Ecclesiastes 3:9-11:

9 What does the worker gain from his struggles? 10 I have seen the task that God has given • people to keep them occupied. 11 He has made everything appropriate[3] Or beautiful in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts,[4] Or has put a sense of past and future into their minds, or has placed ignorance in their hearts but man cannot discover the work God has done from beginning to end.

Verse 9 goes back to the meaningless toil of life. GOD intended for life without HIM to be monotonous, meaningless and unfulfilled. Life in the flesh is a bore. But GOD has put cycles into human existence to lead them to look beyond this earthly life to eternal life. GOD created mankind and it has been said, HE placed a GOD shaped vacuum in each person. People try to fill this empty spot with various things or following various religions. Satisfaction to life on earth is found only when people acknowledge their need for the true GOD.

GOD is constantly working in the lives of every human leading them to HIM and ultimately to CHRIST and salvation. Acknowledging CHRIST as a person’s SAVIOR fills this GOD shaped vacuum in every believer’s heart. CHRIST willingly gave HIS life to satisfy the penalty for the original sin, which was HIS death. HIS resurrection from the dead is proof that HE conquered death and the original sin debt has been paid in full by CHRIST. Every person who acknowledges this receives forgiveness for his/her sin and receives eternal life, as originally intended by GOD, and is restored. Just as CHRIST had to die to receive HIS new glorified body, believer’s earthly body (earth suit) will also die but will receive their new glorified body when CHRIST returns to earth the second time.

What confirmation does a believer have that this is all true? GOD gives each believer a down payment or security deposit which assures him/her that it is true – the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT.

As the result of CHRIST’S passion, believers have direct access to GOD, their FATHER. Every believer in essence is a priest. We call it the priesthood of the believer because believers have direct access to GOD through CHRIST.

It is difficult for mankind to look at the whole of their lives, beginning to end, to see how GOD has been working in their lives. Of course, people do not know their end but GOD does. When people become believers they can often look back over their lives and see how GOD used certain circumstances or situations to put them in the right place at the right time. It is difficult for people to see the hand of GOD working in their lives before they become Christians. Even Christians, often, have to look back to see all that GOD has been involved in guiding them through difficult times in their life’s journey.

Let’s read Ecclesiastes 3:12-14:

12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the[5] Lit his good life. 13 It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts. 14 I know that all God does will last forever; there is no adding to it or taking from it. God works so that people will be in awe of Him.

Solomon was saying that it is near impossible for people to discern what GOD has done, what HE is doing and what HE is planning to do. The best people can do is to build a relationship with GOD, realize that HE provides the things of life for them to enjoy. GOD is sovereign and completely in control of all things and HE has the best interest of HIS children in mind. Those who believe in HIM and acknowledge HIM can see HIS handiwork. They should not get frustrated in trying to figure it all out but just rejoice that HE is completely in control. When believers accept that then they can stand in awe of HIM because they trust and have confidence in HIM. But this is a spiritual growth and maturing process through sanctification.

When a believer looks back over his/her life and beholds the hand of GOD in their lives even before he/she became a believer results in great joy. It is awesome to think that when a person did not give GOD or CHRIST a thought, HE cared enough to watch over and care for him/her. Romans 5:8 gives us a clue about the love of GOD for all people who will believe in CHRIST:

8 But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us!

JESUS made it clear that HE came so believers can enjoy life more abundantly- John 10:10:

10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (KJV)

Keep in mind that you were not made for time but for eternity and GOD uses this life to prepare you for eternity. HIS desire is to make believers into the image of HIS SON, JESUS. Rejoice and be glad because GOD cares for you: 1 Peter 5:6-7:

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time,[10] Lit in time [11] Jb 22:29; Mt 23:12; Lk 14:11; 18:14; Jms 4:10 7 casting all your care upon Him, because He cares about you.[12] Ps 55:22; Mt 6:25–34

Life's Mysteries - Meaning of Life - Ecclesiastes 1:1-11; 12:13-14 - January 3, 2010

Bible Studies - Life’s Mysteries – Wrestling with the Meaning of Life – January 3, 2010

This begins a new series of study entitled “Wrestling with Life’s Mysteries.”

Our scripture is Ecclesiastes 1:1-11; 12:13-14.

We will be in the book of Ecclesiastes for the next five (5) weeks. Through these studies GOD will reveal the wisdom believers need to live for HIM in a world filled with the many mysteries of life.

Most Bible scholars believe that King Solomon was the author of Ecclesiastes. The author identified himself in verse 1 as “1 The words of the Teacher,[1] Or of Qoheleth, or of the Leader of the Assembly son of David, king in Jerusalem.” The Hebrew word for “teacher” refers to someone who taught on a regular basis in the assembly of a church or court. The Greek word “ekklesia” referred to an assembly and was applied to the church. It is believed that Solomon had so many people seeking his wisdom that he regularly instructed them where a number of people could assemble. Some people came seeking his wisdom and others were there to hear his wisdom spoken.

It is fitting that our study of Ecclesiastes, where we will ponder the mysteries of life, begins our new year. This study comes at the close of a year of study where we have pondered our spiritual foundation and relationship with CHRIST.

Solomon was the son of King David and Bathsheba. He was about twenty (20) years old when he was crowned king. He ruled Israel for forty (40) years from 970 B.C. to 931 B.C. At the end of his rule, he was ruling 50,000 square miles of territory. In 1 Kings 11:1-6 the number of King Solomon’s wives and concubines is revealed, which led to his downfall:

Solomon’s Unfaithfulness to God
1 King Solomon loved many foreign women in addition to Pharaoh’s daughter: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women 2 from the nations that the Lord had told the Israelites about, “Do not intermarry with them, and they must not intermarry with you, because they will turn you away [from Me]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. to their gods.”[1] Dt 7:3–4 Solomon was deeply attached to these women and loved [them]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. . 3 He had 700 wives who were princesses and 300 concubines, and they turned his heart away [from the Lord]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. .[2] Dt 17:17 4 When Solomon was old, his wives seduced him [to follow]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. other gods. His heart was not completely with the Lord his God, as his father David’s heart had been.[3] 1 Ch 29:19 5 Solomon followed • Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Sidonians, and • Milcom, the detestable idol of the Ammonites. 6 Solomon did what was evil in the Lord’s sight, and unlike his father David, he did not completely follow the Lord.

The wisest man to ever live allowed his flesh to compromise his relationship with GOD.

King Solomon had it all – wealth, fame, wisdom, did whatever he wanted to do, created whatever his heart desired, and the list goes on. He tried it all – He married hundreds of women for political reasons and in addition he had hundreds of concubines. GOD gave Solomon the gift of wisdom but he did not use it the way GOD intended. GOD allowed him to try all that the world had to offer only to find that the only thing in life that brings lasting joy and peace is obediently serving GOD. Solomon learned this valuable lesson late in his life. GOD’S intent is for all people to learn from the life of Solomon and hopefully avoid his mistakes.

Ambition is good and part of GOD’S plan for HIS children but they must seek to obediently serve HIM and not to lose their perspective. It is all about having the right relationship with GOD through CHRIST and maintaining that relationship on a daily basis regardless of our vocation.

It is easy for any believer’s head to be turned away from GOD toward other things because that is the nature of the flesh. Our flesh wants to rule and be satisfied. Satan knows our weakness and he will make sure that temptation will cross our path. Anything to prevent us from obediently serving GOD.

JESUS has a very clear message to all believers in Matthew 6:33 - 33 But seek first the kingdom of God[17] Other mss omit of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.

It is vital that believers seek the relationship with GOD through CHRIST to find true fulfillment in life. Just as CHRIST came to serve, believers are to serve as well. GOD calls believers to be plumbers, physicians, attorneys, auto mechanics, day laborers, policemen, government employees, military personnel, pilots, house wives, mothers, dads, preachers, missionaries, teachers, nurses, nursery workers and the list goes on. Believers are the happiest when they know they are serving GOD where HE wants them to serve. Obediently serving the LORD does not means things will always go smooth or without problems.

Our studies for the month:

January 3 – Ecclesiastes 1:1-11; 12:13-14 – Life’s meaning begins and ends with GOD.

January 10 – Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 – Time is a gift from GOD. Believers must discern, with GOD’S help, the right time for the right action.

January 17 – Ecclesiastes 3:16-17; 4:1; 8:2-13 – Believers are to be agents of hope and justice in their communities and in the world.

January 24 – Ecclesiastes 2:4-8; 5:10-16 – We must invest ourselves in what is truly valuable.

January 31 – Ecclesiastes 2:18-26; 5:18-20 – Work is a gift from GOD in which we can and should rejoice.

Let’s read Ecclesiastes 1:1-7:

Everything is Futile
1 The words of the Teacher,[1] Or of Qoheleth, or of the Leader of the Assembly son of David, king in Jerusalem. 2 “Absolute futility,” says the Teacher. “Absolute futility. Everything is futile.” 3 What does a man gain for all his efforts he labors at under the sun? 4 A generation goes and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. 5 The sun rises and the sun sets; panting, [it returns]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. to its place[2] Ps 19:6 where it rises. 6 Gusting to the south, turning to the north, turning, turning, goes the wind, and the wind returns in its cycles. 7 All the streams flow to the sea, yet the sea is never full. The streams are flowing to the place, and they flow there again.

As we read this scripture, you get the idea that Solomon had turned into a bitter, cynical person. He was frustrated with just living life. When we look at his conclusion, in chapter 12, we know that his frustration came from realizing that all his accomplishments were meaningless. HE came to the realization that real purpose and fulfillment in life comes from obediently serving GOD. It dawned on him that he got caught up in his self importance, self promotion and doing his own thing and missed the real lasting joy of serving GOD.

Every human has but one life to live. What a shame to get to the end of life and realize that you have wasted so many years investing in things that are meaningless.

A teacher, broadly speaking, is one who speaks from a source of knowledge and experience. In essence, Solomon was saying “I am immanently qualified to speak on the subject of life because I have done it all and experienced it all. Everything the world has to offer is absolutely futile.” Futile means “meaningless”, “breath” or “vapor.” “When all is said and done life is meaningless, monotonous, and repetitious. All that I thought would bring me lasting enjoyment is like vapor it is of no value, compared to being obedient to GOD.”

Then Solomon cites several examples of the monotony of life and nature.

Generations come and go but people are not remembered. The sun rises and sets only to do it again the next day. The wind blows and it will do it again the next day. The waters of earth flow into the sea but the sea never overflows. Nothing makes a lasting impact whether it is your life or nature. Man is perplexed by endless cycles. GOD is in control of the cycles of life and of nature and HE alone knows their purpose. All cycles have a purpose whether or not they are seen by man. The fact that he had come to this realization had a purpose. It warns others not to waste their time following the desires of their flesh. Devote yourself to GOD and obediently follow HIM.

History repeats itself. Just as the cycles of nature repeat, nothing changes. Humans never seem to learn from one generation to another. They repeat the same mistakes and errors. What one generation of people has learned does not carry over to the next generation to help them avoid repeating the same errors. They do not build upon what was learned from each preceding generation. In time, mankind repeats the same mistakes just as we have experienced with our economy. In the 30’s we had a great depression. So here we are again on the verge of another depression. We have wars and rumors of wars. History repeats itself. Nothing is new regarding social skills. Technology seems to carryover from one generation to another and build upon itself.

Let’s read Ecclesiastes 1:8-11:

8 All things[3] Or words are wearisome; man is unable to speak. The eye is not satisfied by seeing or the ear filled with hearing. 9 What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun. 10 Can one say about anything, “Look, this is new”? It has already existed in the ages before us. 11 There is no memory of those who[4] Or of the things that came before; and of those who[5] Or of the things that will come after there will also be no memory among those who follow [them]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. .

Human nature is to conquer and achieve. When a person accomplishes the things he/she has dreamed of it never satisfies him/her. He/she always wants more. There is always more to see and to hear. The eyes or ears never get full of seeing or hearing. There is always the need for more. Nothing brings delight, there is no endpoint and because there is no endpoint people are in such despair, they are unable to speak.

When he mentioned the phrase "under the sun" he was speaking of human activity.

The teacher concludes nothing is new - there is birth, life, disease, death, gathering food, cooking the food, happiness and sorrow and the list goes on. It has all been done before. When I read these verses my mind immediately went to all the new things I have seen in my life time, certainly the routine of life. We all have to have food, clothing and shelter. I thought, “Are they really new or just better ways to accomplish the same things easier and quicker?” People have always needed to get from one place to another - transportation. They walked, rode on animals, made carts, wagons, ships, automobiles, trains and airplanes, all to get people from point A to point B. People have always washed clothes. In the early periods of time they beat their clothes on rocks and washed them in streams and communicated. Today, we use washing machines and driers to give people more time. Instead of meeting at streams to wash clothes and communicate, we use telephones, cell phones, computers, mail and social gatherings. People have discovered better ways to accomplish the mundane things in life. But does that satisfy them? No. We want more, bigger and better stuff which we think will bring us happiness. But happiness soon fades because we want more new things. That is why manufacturers constantly come out with new and improved products. Where can we find complete satisfaction? It is not in things. Don’t take this wrong. I like new things, especially new technology which improves life. The point being, if this is all we live for, it is meaningless unless we use our time to obediently serve our LORD as HE directs our lives.

The teacher raised the question of who will remember us after we are gone. Most people live and die with just a few people knowing they ever existed. People attempt to be remembered by building structures which bear their name or other ways. The point being, which is more important to be remembered by people or to be obedient to GOD?

The question is, when we face GOD for judgment, what will be the most important accomplishment we need to satisfy HIM? I will give you a clue it. It will not be about our personal accomplishments but our obedience in serving HIM. The most important is accepting CHRIST as our SAVIOR. The next step after salvation is to make HIM the LORD of our lives. This is a commitment to get to know HIM and puts us on the path to build and maintain the right relationship with HIM. When we build a relationship with anyone, we get to really know them and spend time with them. A relationship grows and matures by doing things together.

The Apostle Paul gave us insight into GOD’S plan for those who obediently serve HIM. It is a composite of Isaiah 52:15 and 64:4 and Paul gives it in 1 Corinthians 2:9.
1 Cor. 2:9:

9 But as it is written: What no eye has seen and no ear has heard, and what has never come into a man’s heart, is what God has prepared for those who love Him.[4] Isaiah 52:15; 64:4

No one, including Christians, has seen, or heard or even thought about what GOD has prepared for those who love HIM. This was what Solomon was seeing as the real value to life. It was one’s relationship with GOD. As we know today, CHRIST provides the way for all who believe in HIM to GOD. Let’s skip to the end of Ecclesiastes to see Solomon’s conclusion.

Let’s read Ecclesiastes 12:13-14:

13 When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is: • fear God[6] Ec 3:14; 5:7; 7:18; 8:12–13 and keep His commands, because this [is for]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. all humanity. 14 For God will bring every act to judgment,[7] Ec 3:17; 11:9 including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.

Solomon gives us insight to his conclusion regarding the matters of life. The bottom line for all humanity is for people to reverently respect (fear) GOD and obey HIS commands. GOD gave the Ten Commandments to mankind to give them guidelines for living in a society and living with other societies. If all people and nations obeyed the Ten Commandments, we would have a peaceful world. I am not saying if everyone obeyed the Ten Commandments they would be saved. Salvation is a separate matter but connected. Connected because the Ten Commandments are guidelines which reveal how difficult to impossible it is for each person to obey. When a person tries to obey them he/she may keep the letter of the law but they cannot keep the spirit of the law which CHRIST brought to our attention. HE said, if you hate a person it was the same as murder or if you lust after a woman, it was the same as adultery. The natural response is, “That is impossible!” That is the correct conclusion.

It is impossible for all humans to keep the spirit of the law. That is why they need CHRIST. GOD tells us in Isaiah 64:6 that the very best in us is like filthy rags. It is impossible for any human to become righteous enough to be acceptable to GOD through his/her own effort. That is why HE sent HIS SON to die for all who will accept HIM as their SAVIOR and LORD. GOD’S plan is for all believers in CHRIST to be made righteous through the passion of CHRIST.

Isaiah 64:6: (Human effort is not acceptable to GOD)

6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. (KJV)

2 Corinthians 5:21: (The reason CHRIST came to earth.)

21 He (GOD) made the One (CHRIST) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we (believers) might become the righteousness of God in Him.
In Luke 12:16-21, JESUS puts life into perspective:
16 Then He told them a parable: “A rich man’s land was very productive. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What should I do, since I don’t have anywhere to store my crops? 18 I will do this,’ he said. ‘I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones and store all my grain and my goods there. 19 Then I’ll say to myself, “You[5] Lit say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods stored up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.” ’ 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your • life is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared—whose will they be?’ 21 “That’s how it is with the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

The bottom line is that every human will die and stand before GOD to be judged. The Good News of being a Christian was spoken by JESUS in John 5:24:

24 “I assure you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.

Do you want a sure thing? Then accept CHRIST as your SAVIOR.

There is no better way to begin this New Year than asking CHRIST to forgive you of your sins and to come into your life. If you do, I would like to know.

Blessings to all.