Chasing the Wind: A Time for Everything. Ecclesiastes 3

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