May 24, 2021 - Ecclesiastes 9:1-10

My mother had her ninetieth birthday yesterday! We had a party the week before and so yesterday was a quiet day for her as her children and some grandchildren called or visited her to wish her well! Special birthdays offer an occasion to celebrate and to rejoice the accomplishment!

Solomon looked at the events of life and recognized that all the works of man are in the hand of God (v.1). He observes that we have joyous as well as sad times. Some will love and experience hatred irrespective of their good or evil actions or lifestyles. The one thing all individuals have in common is all will die. Lucius Annaeus Seneca stated, “Death is the wish of some, the relief of many, and the end of all.” The reality of this truth is what Solomon wanted his readers to understand. There seems to be no fear or depression in the writer’s statement, just factual acceptance of life’s brevity.

The author repeats facts regarding death as stated earlier in this book, (See 1:4; 2:14–17; 3:18–20; 4:8; 5:15–16; 6:6; 8:8; 12:1–7). Death is an appointment (Hebrews 9:27), a destiny that nobody but God can cancel or change. God knows your works, (v.7) so live your life with joy, fulness and no regret. As Harriet Beecher-Stowe has stated, “The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.”

For the believer, there is an anticipation of greater and more beautiful events to behold for eternity in the presence of our Savior. C.S. Lewis anxiously anticipated the future as he stated, ““There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” Paul said in Philippians 1:23, “… having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.”

While heaven is something to look forward to, we can enjoy activities here on earth! Enjoy the daily activities such as work, marriage, friends, hobbies, and activities that enable us to grow in wisdom and enjoyment. These opportunities are ours to enjoy while we have this time on earth (vv.9-10).