Ecclesiastes 12: 1-14
Wednesday, 23 September 2020
Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them” - Ecclesiastes 12:1
King Solomon possessed all that the world had to offer only to find that journey unfulfilling and formed with frailty so he concluded that our mortal existence on this earth was nothing but vanity (meaningless). He understood that whatever we do on this earth is only worthwhile if it brings glory to God our Creator. In the key verse above Solomon reminds the young not to let the enthusiasm of youth cause them to forget their Creator. For he knows too well that when the years advance, none of the pleasures of this world can be enjoyed due to the infirmities that set in progressively.
He gives a beautiful allegorical description of the deterioration of old age in Eccl. 12:2-8 that shows the diminishing of pleasure in all that was done under the sun until we return to the dust that we were made from. This chapter is beautifully concluded by exhorting one and all to fear God and keep His commandments for, that is the whole duty of man as judgment awaits all, for good and for evil.
God created us. Only He can know our needs- be it spiritual, physical, financial, emotional or mental. We do not own ourselves; God owns us! We do not have the right to do whatever pleases us. We were created for His pleasure. Revelation 4:11 says, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Knowing the purpose of our creation, we should please Him, for which we need to do what delights the Lord. We will find it if we diligently seek it in His Word.
Young people today face problems unheard of, than the older generations. Everywhere they turn they are buffeted with the unrealities of life including entertainments. They have to face and make choices that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. So it is vital that they know their Creator at a very early age in their lives, in order to be led by Him to avoid many of the perils that await them. It is the duty of parents to live right and tell the children about the living God— this is what God wants. God knew that Abraham would tell about Him to his generations that is why He chose him. Genesis 18:18: “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD….”
Jesus summed it all up in Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” As you seek and study the Word of God, you will find His will for you and applying this to your life will add everything else that is needed for you. If you stop seeking God through His word then the adding will also cease. You will end up working to fulfill your will and desire only to find like Solomon that you toiled for nothing!!
The Lord gave us the example of the lilies of the field that neither toil nor spin. Yet, they develop to their full potential while staying within the laws of nature set by God, being provided all they require. (Matthew 6:28-29) When a man works and develops according to the plan set by God, he finds a providence that makes it possible for him to live and to thrive.
Quote for the Day: “He that takes truth for his guide, and duty for his end, may safely trust to God's providence to lead him aright.” ~Blaise Pascal