Ecclesiastes 9 (3)

Pray Psalm 115.1.
Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us,
But to Your name give glory,
Because of Your mercy,
Because of Your truth.

Read Ecclesiastes 9.4-6.

Prepare.
1. What advantages do the living have over the dead?

2. Why do “all the living” have hope?

Meditate.
Young people seldom think about dying. They’re too busy having fun. Rehoboam was probably no different. But Solomon had been down the path Rehoboam was wanting to stroll, and he longed to talk a little sense into his silly mind.

At the same time – and here I think we can sense the deep love of a father for his son – Solomon seems to be saying, if only to himself, as long as his son is alive, there’s hope that he will find his way to the truth. Death is final; there is no hope beyond it. A man’s life may be no better than a dog’s, but as long as he’s alive, the possibility exists that he can find the Lord. But death is coming, even if a man lives like a lion, and after all the good times and big fun, the grave awaits.

So it’s not true, as the bumper sticker says – and Rehoboam probably thought – “He who dies with the most toys, wins.” No: He who dies with the most toys, dies. And that’s that.

The mission of the Church in our secular and postmodern times is the same as it’s always been: make disciples. Each of us has been assigned a Personal Mission Field by the Lord, and there we regularly encounter people who need to know the Lord. We may think some of them are too far gone ever to believe. Some may even have told us to “bug off” and “let it go” when we’ve tried to share the Gospel. But we must never give up on the lost. As long as they are alive, there’s hope they might come to their senses and, like the prodigal son, make their way home to the Father.

Our job is to keep up hope on our end, nurture relationships, look for ways to serve, share the Good News when we can, and pray, pray, pray.

Reflect.
1. Peter says people should be able to see the hope that is within us (1 Pet. 3.15). What hope?  

2. People don’t like to think about death; but why should they?   

3. We who are still living know we’re going to die (v. 5). How should knowing that shape the way we live “under heaven”?

The most despicable living man’s state, is preferable to that of the most noble who have died impenitent. Solomon exhorts the wise and pious to cheerful confidence in God, whatever their condition in life. The meanest morsel, coming from their Father’s love, in answer to prayer, will have a peculiar relish. Matthew Henry (1662-1714), Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9.4-10

Thank You, Lord, for one more day to live for You. Help me to make the most of it by…

Pray Psalm 115.9-13.
What are you trusting the Lord for today? Will you trust Him to help you share the Good News with one who is dying in his sin? Do you believe He’ll bless you if you do?

Sing Psalm 115.9-13.
Psalm 115.9-13 (Plainfield - "Nothing But the Blood of Jesus")
All who trust in Jesus yield – ever to His Name be glory! –
find in Him their help and shield – ever to Your Name be glory!
O Israel, trust the Lord!  He helps us evermore!
Fear Him obey His Word: Ever to Your Name be glory!

Blessings from our gracious Lord – ever to Your Name be glory –
will attend us evermore – ever to Your Name be glory!
Bless all who fear You, Lord, all who obey Your Word,
all who Your Name adore: Ever to Your Name be glory!

T. M. Moore

Where does the book of Ecclesiastes fit in the overall flow of Scripture? Our series of studies, God’s Covenant, can show you, and help you discover the great beauty of the unity and diversity of Scripture, and how it all points to Christ. To order your copy of this important workbook, click here.

You can download all the studies in this series on Ecclesiastes by clicking here. If you value Scriptorium as a free resource for your walk with the Lord, please consider supporting our work with your gifts and offerings. You can contribute to The Fellowship by clicking the Contribute button  at the website or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 360 Zephyr Road, Williston, VT 05495.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006). All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).