Bible Verse Synopsis 6-19-25
Ecclesiastes 3:
Every task has its own season in the story to man, from sewing to harvest and living to dying. God has given us all of these things to do so we can appreciate the difficulty of these tasks. Through Him only can we know what season we are to be in. What season of life are you in now? And what does your relationship with God in that season need to look like?
In Verse 9, Solomon continues his lament from chapter 2: “What gain has the worker from his toil?” Solomon reminds us that our gains from the work on this earth is little. The gains we should seek are of the Lord. As we work for the Lord, we are to enjoy our labors. Verse 13 - “also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man.” It is important for us to find joy in how we spend our life. With Colossians 3:23 in mind here as well, the Lord demands we work for Him. How we honor Him with our work will change depending on the season of life we are in. Are you joyful and honoring God in this season of your life? What glory does He gain from your labors?
Solomon’s wisdom continues to show us more examples of the Lord at work on the earth. Verse 16: “And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgement, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.” He continues in Verse 17: “I said in my heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.” The wickedness that God allows in our lives is present to test the strength of our faith. If we would not struggle and be challenged in our lives, how could our faith be strong? Relying on God in these times is paramount to overcoming our struggles. Do you rely on Him or is your faith too weak?
Because of the fall, caused by Adam and Eve, our bodies are now like that of the animals. From dust we came and dust we shall return. Verse 20 says: “All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.” This is a reminder of our physical bodies, which die as the animals do. But the spirit lives forever. Verse 21: “Who knows the spirit of man that goes upward, and the spirit of the beast that goes downward to the earth?” The spirit of the believer goes to heaven and the spirit of the fallen go downward to hell. This is great symbolism here by Solomon. Where is your spirit headed? Is your spirit saved or is it like the beast?
Solomon ends this chapter going back to the works. Verse 22: “ Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?” This verse is loaded with detail. Rejoice in the place the Lord has put us in and the season we are in. Do not worry about the future, enjoy the present. If we entrust our lives to Him, we will be able to enjoy where we are today. This will give us complete assurance. Have you entrusted your life to Him? This is an area I need His help as well. Lord, help me and your other disciples to trust in you. Bless our lives so we can live in the present and trust in You to set up our future. With trust in you, we will prevail over our weakness. Amen.