Ecclesiastes: Solid Joy Rev. Joby Fowler

The Kohelet has one more thing to say to us before we sign off on this mysterious, rich, and at times challenging book, and its a big one - he wants to pass on the sum and substance of his wisdom, having seen and done all there is to do - fear God and keep His commandments. Do you wish to live a life of purpose, of satisfaction, or eternal effect, that rises above the twaddle and meaningless that this world has embraced as ultimate? Then "fear God and keep His commands," or as they put at Westminster, "glorify God and keep His commands." Why ought this be our central manifesto? Because at the end of every life is the judgment, when God will examine all our deeds, and if we have not embraced both His law and His gospel then we will know judgment and not the eternal peace His Word promises to those who "fear Him and keep His commands."

Last week I closed my exhortation, directing the young to embrace the moment of their youth, for it is fleeting and the advantages given to youth by God's design can be easily squandered if you are not living with good intentions, chief among which must be "to fear God and keep His commands." Added to that Solomon remarks that the young to be joyful in their youth, and not distracted by what they cannot yet do, responsibility they do not yet have, and the privileges that do come with age. Solomon, in Chapter 12, moves on to reflect upon the Lord while times are easier, before larger responsibilities come, so that you might set a pattern (habits) and trajectory (your overall goal) that honors the Lord. Do not be afraid, of the end, but embrace every phase of life as blessed gift of God to serve Him as long as you have breath.

As Solomon continues to reveal to us not just how to live in the world God made, a world that now is under the weight of sin, a world that is condition by being under the sun, he also tells us what to expect in our lives. "There is a season…" is one way that Solomon puts it, which refers to the seeming randomness of life, but is all part of God's providence. Both light and dark, sweet times and bitter are all part of God's plan, know that both are coming and rejoice in both. To this Solomon adds that in order to live in an unpredictable world you are better off at getting a head start - start young with eyes wide open.

As it relates to the subject of rulers and authority Solomon has much to say, and the wisdom that he has to offer is of great value to us today. This value arises from the Spirit's counsel to men, women, and children who are at every point in their lives under someone's authority. You and I have rulers who are set over us, by God, for the purposes which He has established as our Creator and Sovereign Lord. We are to also remember that all men derive their authority from God, and so whether high or low, al l flesh ought to strive to glorify the Lord. There is no "out" when you dislike or disrespect your rulers, there is still a way to glorify God even in evil days. Yet we can still call them evil days, and we can still call our rulers righteous or not, the rub comes when we ask how we should under good or wicked rulers. Perhaps this topic is relevant… you think?

Joseph Fowler - Ecclesiastes: Solid Joy

Joseph Fowler - Ecclesiastes: Solid Joy