Ecclesiastes 12: 1-14
Saturday, 27 January 2024
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 it was unfulfilling and 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 as infirmities set in.
He gives an 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 we were made from. And the chapter beautifully concludes with an exhortation— 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 by His will. Revelation 4:11 says, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” 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.
The young generation today face problems unheard of, than the bygone generations. There are challenges to their identity, their belief system and the lure of new gadgets that vie for their time and attention. Anywhere they turn they are buffeted with an unrealistic lifestyle. They have to face all this 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 young 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 chose Abraham and knew that he would tell about God to his generations—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.” By putting God first in life and seeking His Word, you find His will for you. As you apply this to your life, the Lord 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 desires, only to find like Solomon that you toiled for nothing!! Life becomes empty!
As Jesus pointed out, the lilies of the field neither toil nor spin. Yet, they develop to their full potential while staying within the laws of nature set by God, being provided with all they require (Matthew 6:28,29). When a man’s life is within the plan set by God, he finds divine providence that makes it possible for him to live and thrive.
Think on: The conclusion, when everything has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.” [Eccl.12: 13 NASB]
Listen: 'Remember your Creator'