Ecclesiastes 11:1-10
Saturday, 23 March 2024
“Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what disaster may happen on earth.” -Ecclesiastes 11:1-2
Ecclesiastes is one of the wisdom literature books in the Bible. The author of this book was King Solomon, one of the greatest kings who reigned on the earth, and the wisest man in the world (1 Kings 4:29-34), who received the wisdom from God (2 Chronicles 1:7-12). While reading the book, we may feel a sense of hopelessness in the words many a time. The author who experienced all the worldly glory to the peak, expresses the vanity in many things. All of his remarks relating to the futility of life are there for a purpose: to lead us to seek fulfilment and happiness in God alone. The entire book is filled with both practical and spiritual wisdom.
Our key verse tells us about the practical aspects of giving or investing:
1. Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days (V.1):- At the first glance, casting bread upon the waters is literally a foolish thing to do. Nobody is ready to throw “their bread”—the investments made through hard work or long-term investments into the water. If the food item, bread is dipped into water, cannot be used again. But he Word of God tells us to cast where there is no hope of return. The word “cast” means send away, leave, push away—an action that needs a force. The Word not only tells us to cast but gives a hope or assurance that you will find it after many days. In the wilderness journey, God speaks to Moses to tell the children of God to bring an offering for the construction of the Tabernacle. A group of people who had just come out from slavery- whatever possessions they had they might think they should keep it for the future. But the people wholeheartedly gathered all the things which are so precious and brought it to Moses.
As the Lord leads each of us to invest for His kingdom, never hesitate to do so. If you do it wholeheartedly, the greater will be the unthought-of reward. Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. (Psalm 126:4-5)
2. Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what disaster may happen on earth (V.2):- Giving a portion might be a common thing many of us do as believers and many of the social/ charity organizations do the same, even on a large scale. But the term used here means to give a good measure or give to the needy whatever is required fully. A real picture of genuine charity is described through the words of seven or even to eight meaning countless. Jesus has shown us a beautiful example through his life- He is rich in mercy to all-even to us- though we are unworthy- He paid in full, with His very life! The verse ends with a warning that you don’t know what is going to happen the next moment; will the possessions you are holding on to, remain? So, it’s always better to spend and be spent!
Consider the above principles in the course of our spiritual journey. Whenever we heed to His voice, apply these practical principles in our lives— surely, we will see its fruit in due time.
To Act On: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)