June 2, 2021 - Ecclesiastes 12:1-5

Getting old is not for sissies! I have been reminded of this phrase, it seems, a lot lately as friends, relatives and others ask how my health is and how long I intend to work before choosing to retire. Health issues, slowing down in the ability to do manual labor and the aches and stiffness of joints all indicate the aging process is at work.

Solomon instructed his readers to pay attention and to build a foundation of understanding about your Creator while you are young (v.1). While the mind is active and the body is resilient, be attentive and obedient to God’s ways. The word ‘remember’ in verse one has the idea of more that just thinking about a subject, it means to pay attention or consider with the intention of obedience.

Solomon portrays the difference age makes in the next several verses with a metaphor of a house that once was strong but now is in disrepair. A dwelling place is used in scripture of the body (Job 4:19; 2 Corinthians 5:1-2; 2 Peter 1:13). Warren Wiersbe gives some possible meanings for the word pictures in verses three through five:

“keepers of the house” – Our arms and legs tremble

“strong men”—Your legs, knees, and shoulders weaken, and you walk bent over.

“grinders”—You start to lose your teeth.

“windows”—Your vision begins to deteriorate.

“doors”—Either your hearing starts to fail, or you close your mouth because you have lost your teeth.

“grinding”—You cannot chew your food, or your ears cannot pick up the sounds outdoors.

“rise up”—You wake up with the birds early each morning, and wish you could sleep longer.

“music”—Your voice starts to quaver and weaken.

“afraid”—You are terrified of heights and afraid of falling while you walk down the street.

“almond tree”—If you have any hair left, it turns white, like almond blossoms.

“grasshopper”—You just drag yourself along, like a grasshopper at the close of the summer season.

“desire”—You lose your appetite, or perhaps your sexual desire.

“long home”—You go to your eternal [long] home and people mourn your death.

As this mortal house begins to deteriorate the importance of our foundation that was laid as a youth is paramount as that will sustain and enable us to face the difficult days ahead. Regardless of your age take time to strengthen your foundation by seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). It will pay dividends in the end!