Chasing the Wind: A Time for Everything
Ecclesiastes 3
On Time (v. 1-8)
· Solomon reflects on the ever-changing aspects of life
· Human life is ruled by time
o Always moving forward
o Bringing both good and bad
· We are not able to fully experience eternity yet
Conclusion about Time (v. 9-14)
· Our entrapment in time is a reminder of our mortality (v.9)
· Our fruit of our labor will not last (v. 10)
· But God makes everything work out for its appropriate season of life (v. 11a)
o He is the Lord of time
o And has made us long for a timeless reality with Him (v. 11b)
· These truths lead to the conclusion that we should learn to enjoy the life that God has given us
o Even though this life is transitory
§ That means so is pleasure
§ And so is pain
· Only God is eternal
o And what He does will be the only things that last
o Which leads to reverence* for God
On Justice (v. 15-17)
· Solomon turns his attention to justice and its lack in the world
o V. 15 may have the idea of God seeking the persecuted
· Justice is not done in this world
o But God will assure that it will be done to and for all in eternity
On Death (v. 18-21)
· Solomon reflects on the mortality of all
o Both men and beasts
· Reminder: God has not clearly revealed the idea of resurrection at this time in redemptive history
o Yet there are hints even in Solomon’s own assurance of eternal justice
Solomon’s Conclusion (v. 22)
· If life is fleeting
o We should enjoy the work set before us
· Yet, Solomon’s perspective is limited
o He asks who can know what comes after
§ Questioning if there is life after death
So What?
· Without the hope of resurrection
o Aspects of this life can seem empty
· But with the perspective that there is more than this life
o All of this life can have meaning
o When our life is lived for God
· Are we living for God?
Meditation Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:17
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