The Secret to a Meaningful Life (Ecc 11:1-12:2)

The Secret to a Meaningful Life (Ecc 11:1-12:2)

 

1. 너는 네 떡을 물 위에 던져라 여러 날 후에 도로 찾으리라

1 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.

 

2.  일곱에게나 여덟에게 나눠 줄지어다 무슨 재앙이 땅에 임할는지 네가 알지 못함이니라 (중략)

2 Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth…

 

6. 너는 아침에 씨를 뿌리고 저녁에도 손을 놓지 말라 이것이 잘 될는지, 저것이 잘 될는지, 혹 둘이 다 잘 될는지 알지 못함이니라 (중략)

6 In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good…

 

8. 사람이 여러 해를 살면 항상 즐거워할지로다 그러나 캄캄한 날들이 많으리니 그 날들을 생각할지로다 다가올 일은 다 헛되도다

8 But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity.

 

9. 청년이여 네 어린 때를 즐거워하며 네 청년의 날들을 마음에 기뻐하여 마음에 원하는 길들과 네 눈이 보는 대로 행하라 그러나 하나님이 이 모든 일로 말미암아 너를 심판하실 줄 알라 (중략)

9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment…

 

12:1. 너는 청년의 때에 너의 창조주를 기억하라 곧 곤고한 날이 이르기 전에, 나는 아무 낙이 없다고 할 해들이 가깝기 전에

12:1 Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them”—

 

2. 해와 빛과 달과 별들이 어둡기 전에, 비 뒤에 구름이 다시 일어나기 전에 그리하라

2 before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars grow dark, and the clouds return after the rain.

 

 

1. Today's scripture comes from the book of Ecclesiastes, a book that repeatedly emphasizes the futility of life. It also urges us to look into, examine, and debate this meaninglessness. How can we live a meaningful and fruitful life? Today's scripture shows us four ways:

 

A) First, live a life of giving to others.

1. Take a look at verses 1 and 2: “1 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. 2 Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.”

 

In Egypt, the Nile River would flood in the spring time. During this time, the Egyptian farmers would scatter seeds into the flooded waters. When the water receded, the seeds would remain in the now wet soil and grow to be harvested.

 

The Bible verse we just read tells us to cast our "bread" into the waters. At first glance, it seems like the verse is telling us to throw away our provisions. But like the methods of the Egyptian farmers, the seeds cast into the water will come back even more bountiful. You will reap what you sow, but to do that you must first "cast [your] bread upon the waters."

 

2. This illustration of scattering seeds on water also depicts how people will receive your good deeds. Some people are grateful and recognize your work. But there are times when your good deeds aren't wholly welcomed; it just sits there like debris on top of water. But we are told to continue giving and spreading our provisions with others, and though it may not be obvious right away, eventually the water will recede and our work will bear fruit.

 

When we do good and give to others, the results or the reception is not always immediate nor positive. It seems like it is going nowhere. But like the seeds that are thrown into the Nile, God promises that we will see the fruits of our labor and dedication. Those who diligently do good and practice virtue without being boastful are promised to be rewarded.

 

What does it mean to "Give a portion to seven, and also to eight" in verse 2? It simply means that we must give all that we have to as many people as we can. This message inspires some Jews to live life with the goal of significantly influencing at least seven or eight people.

 

They also often teach that one will eventually lose everything they own; the only thing that remains is what you give. We often make the mistake of believing what we own will be ours forever. But we must remember that none of our material possessions on this earth will come with us when we die and enter Heaven.

 

3. What do we get when we give? What are the results and repercussions? The second half of verse 1 gives us the answer: "thou shalt find it after many days." We are not promised immediate rewards, but we are promised that the reward will surely come some time in the future, be it days, weeks, or years. 

 

Galatians 6:9 says, "9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Put your strength and effort is doing good deeds and your future will be prosperous.

 

 

B) Second, always live doing and putting forth your best.

Verse 6: “Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.”

 

Work hard and do not be idle all day, every day. A farmer never raises just one type of crop. They raise a variety that fare well in a variety of weather conditions. Some crops will prosper while some will wither, but if the farmer has planted a wide range, then there will always be something for him/her to harvest in the fall. We must be constantly working hard and prepare for all situations. When we work diligently, God will help us. After all, Heaven helps those who help themselves.

 

C) Third, enjoy life but be responsible for your actions.

Take a look at verse 9, "You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment."

 

When we talk about people enjoying things and enjoying themselves, we often tend to think of people indulging in the sinful pleasures of the world. But Ecclesiastes tells us that believers have the privilege to enjoy life within the boundaries of God's law.

 

A Christian life is not synonymous to a life of restraint and restrictions. Exemplifying good faith does not mean one needs to abstain from all joy, be eternally solemn, and purposefully torture themselves in the name of purity.

 

2.  In the Westminster Confession of Faith the first confession is, "Glorify God and be eternally joyous in Him." To be joyous in God and to live life enjoying His grace is His will for us all. Many nonbelievers see a life of faith to be dull, serious, and a life of chores more than anything else. But as a believer we know how much joy faith in Christ can bring. 

 

However, God reminds us that this privilege to enjoy life also comes with responsibilities. Verse 9 says, "You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment."

 

God gives us the privilege to live a happy life and enjoy the things around us. But we must always remember that God is watching and we will all ultimately be judged on what we have done. Enjoy life as God has instructed, but do not do so by finding joy in sin. Enjoy all that God has allowed but do not be evil, unethical, corrupt, immoral, or bring harm to others. Everything we do will be judged either for or against us.

 

3. Take a look at verse 14 of chapter 2, "For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." God does not miss a single thing we do, say, or think and all of these things will be stacked for or against us on the Day of Judgment. Good deeds will bring forth blessings and rewards, while sin will bring the deserving punishment.

 

D) Fourth, and most vital, live life remembering the Creator.

 

1. Look at 12:1, "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them”—"

 

This message is most important for the young adults here today. When you are young there are many things you want to do and need to do. But the wise King Solomon urges you to remember your Creator, God, above all else. Before you waste your strength on anything else, you must first remember and serve the Lord, your God.

 

Some of you may question, "Then when will I have time to do everything else? Serving God takes up too much of my time." Many people mistake and confuse Christianity and a life of faith to mean falling behind in the world, turning your back to all worldly duties, and becoming detached from the worldly society. 

 

But this is so far from the truth. Christians can serve God and still be prominent and successful members of society. Look at Moses, Daniel, Joseph, or David who were all incredible leaders, not just in the Christian sense but in a "worldly" sense as well. They were acknowledged and admired by even nonbelievers in society and brought them light, happiness, and blessings.

 

Faith is stronger and brings greater blessings when you start young. Time inevitably flies by and our last days will surely and swiftly find us. Ecclesiastes 12:2 tells us, "1 Remember your Creator... 2 before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars grow dark, and the clouds return after the rain."

 

When a person grows older their vision, memory, and hope grows weaker. Their worries and hardships straggle on. It's one pain after another, each day feels darker and drearier than the last. Ecclesiastes 12:3 depicts aging and its results. When you age it becomes hard just to read the Bible; you forget the sermons you hear; you can't see the hymn in front of you.

 

Some people advise young people to travel as much as they can while they're still young and strong. The same concept applies to faith. Nearly anything is easier as a young person than when you are old. Read the Bible while your eyes are still clear; memorize verses while your mind is still active; listen to sermons while your hearts are still malleable; serve your God while you still have the energy.

 

What does the scripture teach us is the final command we must grasp on to? Verse 13: "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind."

 

Don't be under the misconception that your youth and health will stay with you forever. Everyone ages and your hair will inevitably turn white. The same amount of time feels like it's passing at a walking pace in your 20s, like a speeding car in your 40s, and a shooting jet in your 60s. 

 

When I was in my 30s I looked young for my age, so I thought up of ways to make myself look older. I don't have to worry about that anymore. No one can stop the passing of time. No one remains unaffected by it.

 

Everyone ages and everyone dies and everyone will return to God. Before that day comes, remember these words; if you want to overcome futility and live a meaningful life without regret, remember these words: "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach..."

 

072917 By Ik Sun Ahn