1 Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days. 2 Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth.
Message: Total Commitment and Generosity
Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: From Tabletalk -- cast [our] bread upon the waters for you will find it after many days (11:1). This image comes from seafaring commerce, where ships are sent out to sell goods and receive a return. In the ancient world, it could take a long time to gain a profit from overseas trade because travel was slow and laborious. But the merchant had to take the risk and send all his goods to other ports if he was to survive. He had to go “all in,” as it were, on his venture; otherwise, he would not benefit. Essentially, the Preacher here exhorts us to commit ourselves totally to the enterprise of serving God. Life is short, and there is no time for procrastination. We must serve the Lord fully today if we are going to serve Him. There may be no tomorrow for us, as death comes quickly to all.
Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth -- this speaks forth the idea that we are to give our all. Verse 2 is a continuation of verse 1. We are to give portions of our bread to any number of those who need. I notice I'm more about taking and having than giving. At times, I am more focused on getting the most I can. The number of seven denotes this present life whereby eight refers to the afterlife. There are temporal needs (seven) that we must focus on as well as making the most of what is eternal needs (eight) to people. For we do not know what tomorrow will bring.
In conclusion, life is short. This is clear. I should give each day my best and realize that tomorrow is not guaranteed. When I see folks in need, just give.
Promise: God will have all of us or He will have none of us. There is no such thing as halfhearted commitment to the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, keep me focused on each day, so that I am living each day to the best of my ability, attending to those in need. Lord, I am too focused on my immediate needs and the immediate needs of my family and giving to others is not
Thank you Jesus for this devo. I really needed that. Thank you for lessons that really hit the core of our hearts and give us a good slap on the cheek or push. Thank you for lessons and your love that flows in each of them. I wanna know more of you. Thank yoh for giving me this. Amen.
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