Ecclesiastes Eleven
"As you do not know what is the way of the wind,
or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child,
so you do not know the works of God
who makes everything."
(Ecclesiastes 11:3)
Morning Mediation: Read - Ecclesiastes 11:1-10
In Solomon's quest for meaning in life, he discovered that life is not only not meaningless and futile as he first thought, but is, in fact, worth living and meant to be enjoyed, if we are willing to acknowledge and accept the One who has given us life and
"who gives us richly all things to enjoy" (1 Timothy 6:17b). Life is God's gift, and He expects us to live it, enjoy it, and spend it wisely, so that we will reap present blessings for the earth and eternal rewards in heaven.
"Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Give a serving to seven, and also to eight, for you do not know what evil will be on the earth" (vv. 1-2). We are meant to make the most of the opportunities the Lord has given to us; using our time and talents, to work hard, and then to share the blessings we have received with others. Solomon rebukes the lazy person but encourages the diligent worker who does not waste time worrying or waiting for a better weather or financial forecast to put his hand to the plow.
"He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap" (v. 4). We will make better use of our waiting after the ships have sailed and the seed has been planted - for the harvest takes time to come in and the ships have their course to run before they return from sea.
"Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD, till He comes and rains righteousness on you" (Hosea 10:12). Our Lord Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and Sadducees for demanding to see a sign rather than recognizing the work of God in their midst and repenting.
"When it is evening you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red'; and in the morning, 'It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times" (Matthew 16:1-3). Tragically, they could not discern the work of God because it is impossible to know His works apart from knowing Him.
"The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit" (John 3:8). The teachers of the law knew
of God by their traditions, but they didn't know God, nor understand His works. Solomon discovered that this is the key to unlocking the door and entering into a truly meaningful and satisfying life with God. The weather is unpredictable and so is life, therefore it is of no use waiting around for ideal circumstances to do the work we have been called to do - which is first and foremost to turn from our sinful ways and turn to God and repent! As the sailor is at the mercy of the wind, and the farmer at the mercy of the weather, so we all depend upon the mercy of our God. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and live the life He has given us by faith in His Word, relying on His wisdom, and enjoying it with gratitude.
"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:4-7).
"And let us not grow weary while doing good,
for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Therefore, as we have opportunity,
let us do good to all,
especially to those who are of the household of faith."
(Galatians 6:9-10)
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