Ecclesisastes 3:9-15 - Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

Ecclesiastes 3:9-15
What profit is there to the worker from that in which he toils? I have seen the task which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves. He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime; moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—it is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has so worked that men should fear Him. That which is has been already and that which will be has already been, for God seeks what has passed by.

Message: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow OR What do I make of my job and its results, both immediate and long-term?

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:

Chapter 3 is poem about time. "For everything there is a season..." There are many different messages being put forth by Solomon in these words, but overall he is seeing (I have seen in v. 10) and he is knowing (I know in verse 12, 14) through observation that God is over all.

In life there seems to be a clear tension in understanding why life happens and what the events of life mean to us and to people. Without getting too deep, I think Solomon simply wants us to realize that God is in control. Yes, there is enjoyment in life, but do not get too focused on any one thing; in so doing we forget God and forget we are His instruments; we must continually be reminded of our position in His creation. As time moves forward and more advances are made, man seems to have trouble remembering he has limitations.

Profit - Working
What is gained by the worker after his labor is complete? 

The worker has a task to perform and performs it, occupying himself. For the most part, the rewards of his labor are brief. God has the complete picture (God has done from the beginning to the end). But ultimately, we must understand and live by the notion that the results of our labor is a gift from God. The worker is not to think they work of their own accord. God is the active agent in it all. God has set this world in motion and he acts as the conductor. Surely, this is what we need to understand. It could be the question that is asked in verse 9 has an answer in the rest of the passage and the passage is then focused on answering that question about work and labor, maybe just through verse 15 since 16, seems to begin a different thought.

Time and Eternity
God creates time and yet sets eternity in our hearts. Right now we know time, but one day time will be not relevant to us. 

As time moves forward and more advances are made, man seems to have trouble remembering he has limitations. Solomon saw that man does have limitations.This is why reading the Bible is so important. We need to reminded of God and his work in our life.

I have always enjoyed verse 11 in this chapter. Yet, more and more, it is not a popular message. The idea that man has limitations of understanding is not popular. So many belief systems of this world, in laying the groundwork that they are THE correct way, leading the audience to believe that they have all the answers. 

There are really 3 parts to this verse. 

1. He has made everything appropriate in its time.  -- There is a purposeful nature from our Creator. Our problem is we are often impatient with God and we therefore try to determine our own outcomes, rather than waiting for the proper outcome of the Lord. We are encouraged here to be patient and thoughtful. As Song of Solomon says, "Do not awaken love until it pleases." We need a constant recognition and reminder that God sees what we do not see and He is in control. 
2. He has also set eternity in their heart -- We have been created, so we are finite. We are a different substance from God, who is infinite. Eternity has been set in us by our Father in Heaven. Again, he is in control and he ordains our future. And so we must be cautious about placing too much hope in the things of this present life.  
3. yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end. -- We do not know all of God's plans. We have limitations. We are unable to see how everything he has created fits together. He gives us glimpses but we are finite. He is infinite and so see's all. 

Promise: I think Solomon's perspective of life is an important one, but not one we need to rest in at all times. It is a perspective we need, for it directs us toward God who is the author and sustains life. We need to be continually reminded that God is over all and in control. I need this reminder, because life does not remind me this. Life is focused on our selfish providence. There are fruits to our labor and enjoyment to that which we earn, because that is the way God made it.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 - A Time for Everything

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
1   There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—
2   A time to give birth and a time to die;
     A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.
3   A time to kill and a time to heal;
     A time to tear down and a time to build up.
4   A time to weep and a time to laugh;
     A time to mourn and a time to dance.
5   A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
     A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.
6   A time to search and a time to give up as lost;
     A time to keep and a time to throw away.
7   A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;
     A time to be silent and a time to speak.
8   A time to love and a time to hate;
     A time for war and a time for peace.

Message: A time for everything

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: 

This is one of those passages that remind me or speak to me that everything in life has a purpose and an intent and reason. It is also reminds me that life, no matter the time or age, is similar. As time progresses, there are natural advances in how we live. And yet, our emotions and thought life, stays somewhat the same. 

The passage in Proverbs 16:33, "...every decision is from the Lord" and this passage in Ecclesiastes both speak to the idea that "everything happens for God's reason." Life is about events occurring that are appropriate and have purpose. 

I was reading an article online yesterday from a person arguing that there is no God because the idea of God contradicts itself. One of the main ideas from that article was, why would an infinite God have any needs. Yet, I believe God, because we are like Him and we know what we are, has desires. He has orchestrated life, creating people, with a desire to help people see and understanding themselves but also to understand that He is behind it all. Yet, this idea, I can see how it can be bothersome for many. 

Evil, I think, is not necessarily more present, but I do think it is more apparent. Because of technology and electronic communication we are more aware of acts of evil. But, through it all, I think we must continue to trust God. I must admit there are facets of this discussion that does confuse me. These verses give the idea that God orchestrates every momentary decision or God set up life in such a way that he because of the infrastructure he has created, it allows for events to occur. Does that mean every decision, whether I turn on the TV or not, eat a meal or skip it, get in an accident or don't--is from the Lord? Form the scripture, it would seem so. There is a time to be born, die, plant, uproot, kill, heal, tear down, build up, weep, laugh, mourn, dance, throw, gather, embrace, reject, search, lose, keep, throw away, tear apart, bring together, silence, speaking, love, hate, war, peace. God created each of these. So, does God intend each one or does God allow differences to occur because of these? 

I think it is a challenging question.

A Time for Every Event Under Heaven
Fatalism is a doctrine that events are fixed in advance so that human beings are powerless to change them. Theological fatalism is the view that because of God’s foreknowledge, whatever he knows about future events must come to pass, and the participants (humans) cannot choose to do other than what God knows. Determinism is the belief that all events are caused by things that happened before them and that people have no real ability to make choices or control what happens. Predestination is the belief that everything that will happen has already been decided by God or fate and cannot be changed. Free will is the ability of agents to make certain choices unconstrained by certain factors.  

I read on gotquestions.org that theological fatalism says that God is omniscient (knows everything) and so if God knows that tomorrow I will mow the lawn then I have no choice but to engage in that event. But, could it be that God has not predetermined that tomorrow I will mow the lawn, but God knows that I will mow the lawn tomorrow? In this sense, God knows what my free will choice will be, but He has not decided in advance what my choices will be, which would mean I have no choices, but am just acting in the way he has determined. 

I got to this question from reading the verses, "There is a time for every event under heaven." But, I do not know if Solomon is really writing the idea of free will versus determinism or fatalism. It could be that, from his observations, he see's that all lives possess a degree of similarity. All of us experience life in similar ways and there are events that happen, whether we intend them to or not. I may have written what I did because the verse in Proverbs is still hovering in my mind. But, I think it could also be inferred from these verses in Ecclesiastes.

Promise: There is a time for every season and purpose under heaven because the Lord determines it. 

Jesus Calling: October 29

Linger in My Presence a while. Rein in your impulses to plunge into the day's activities. Beginning your day alone with Me is essential preparation for success. A great athlete takes time to prepare himself mentally for the feat ahead of him before he moves a muscle. Similarly, your time of being still in my presence equips you for the day ahead of you. Only I know what will happen to you this day. I have arranged the events you will encounter as you go along your way. If you are not adequately equipped for the journey, you will grow weary and lose heart. Relax with me while I ready you for action.

Ephesians 2:10
English Standard Version

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Hebrews 12:3
English Standard Version

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

My Prayer

Lord, may I learn to rest in you and not just jump into the day without taking a moment to center myself on You and Your Word. The newspaper, the TV, my phone -- this should not be how I start my day, but rather I want to start it with You, in your Presence, talking to you. And then I can embrace the day as you Provide.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: October 28

Do not expect to be treated fairly in this life. People will say and do hurtful things to you, things that you don't deserve. When someone mistreats you, try to view it as an opportunity to grow in grace. See how quickly you can forgive the one who has wounded you. Don't be concerned about setting the record straight. Instead of obsessing about other people's opinions of you, keep your focus on Me. Ultimately, it is My view of you that counts.
     As you concentrate on relating to Me, remember that I have clothed you in My righteousness and holiness. I see you attired in these radiant garments, which I brought for you with My blood. This also is not fair; it is pure gift. When others treat you unfairly, remember that My ways with you are much better than fair. My ways are Peace and Love, which I have poured out into your heart by My Spirit. 

Colossians 3:13
English Standard Version

bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Isaiah 61:10
English Standard Version 

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord;
    my soul shall exult in my God,
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation;
    he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress,
    and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Ephesians 1:7-8
English Standard Version 

⁷ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, ⁸ which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight
 
Romans 5:5
English Standard Version 

and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Proverbs 16:33 - Lord Over Chance

Proverbs 16:33 - The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.

Message: - Lord Over Chance

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

As I read through scripture it is clear that the mind of God is different from the mind of man. Man tends to reason most of the time that in order for God to be real then he must fit into our thinking. The fact that He is different and stands outside of our reasoning abilities and knowledge makes many think he is therefore not real. Again, there is the trust and belief that there is something greater than yourself. The Christian believes that the only way to define life is through a Creator. The non-believer often makes the assumption that life is not left to a creator but from natural phenomena. 

It is interesting and in this verse, in Proverbs, both sides of the coin--lot/chance and ordained from God--seem to be presented. 

The lot is cast
This was a common form of divination in the ancient world in order to determine the divine will of certain matters. We do this today thinking often if we flip open the Bible, the verse it lands on will be our verse for the day or even for our life. And gambling has become such a way of life for many people; the whole idea with gambling is chance and this thinking then seeps into life as well.  

This is one of the things I find interesting about life. There are constantly different messages that are sent in life and they all play into the way we live life and make decisions and think about our lives. the more we spend our time away from the Bible and away from the things of God, the less we think about God and His ways and the more our lives end up getting defined by the world.

I feel a slave to this more and more. I let things happen versus being more intentional for things to happen.

The casting of lots was a common form of divination in the ancient world, a device used to discover the will of the gods. This method of discerning the will of the true God was not forbidden in ancient Israel, for the Lord ruled even over lots. 

Every decision is from the Lord. 
When the lot was properly used the answer was not a matter of chance, but came from God. It is not that casting lots is wrong or bad. Proverbs 18:18 says, "the cast lot puts an end to strife and decides between the mighty ones." Decisions need to be made in life and the casting of lots provides a decision.

What this verse states is the casting of lots is a decision from the Lord. I think often in life we just feel it is easier for our brains to state that outcomes are by chance or even based upon karma (from Hinduism or Buddhism whereby the sum of a person's actions is this life or a previous life are seen as deciding their fate in future existences, which could be this life or another life). I think we often have these conclusions because we are comfortable with the thought that we decide our fates.

It reminds me of those pictures that I have seen: there is the one where one person sees an old lady while another sees a young girl. Both are looking at the same picture and both are seeing two different types of women. As I read scripture it seems clear that God has determined outcomes and he has knowledge of results. But, also as I read scripture I see that man, based upon his own reasoning abilities, thinks he will reap what he sows. Can these ideas coexist? I think so. I think man can see and define things from his own perspective, but ultimately, he can also see that God is in charge. I don't think man can take on a passive approach to life and not try. I believe God uses man to effect change. He doesn't have to, but he does. I don't think God intends man to not be involved in His outcomes.

Note: I think this is a difficult text for my finite mind to comprehend. It is difficult for me to think that God does ordain all activity. So, is there no free will? Just our perception that there is. Our brain is finite so this is how we think and live, but this verse gives the impressions that every decision is from the Lord. That seems hard to fathom. There are horrible atrocities that have occurred throughout human history. There are many things that have occurred that we have no knowledge of. There are many trying to make sure these things don't happen again. There is the phrase, "The human spirit" which gives the idea that man is desiring for things to be more holistic and purposeful and preserving life. But, is this actually God in man exerting his will of things more for his glory? God definitely intends his people, that He created and made in His image, to see that their lives are under His control. Is that man's purpose? Does God give man the faculty to think and live, but all the while "every decision is from the Lord." Those are two ways of looking at life that do seem hard to wrap my mind around. Ephesians 1:11 says, "also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will." It is clear Paul believed this. His words speak of being "predestined" or "called" or "created for good works which God decided beforehand." And then the whole idea of Christ dying for us means that salvation is not of us, but of Him alone. 

Promise: From TableTalk, "February 18, 2015" - "There is no ultimate randomness in the world. Even outcomes that seem to be pure chance, such as the casting of a lot (throwing a pair of dice) are divinely ordained." Though I question events and circumstances and outcomes, my goal always is to trust God for his outcome.

Jesus Calling: October 27

As you become increasingly aware of My Presence, you find it easier to discern the way you should go. This is one of the practical benefits of living close to Me. Instead of wondering about what is on the road ahead or worrying about what you should do if . . . or when . . . , you can concentrate on staying in communication with Me. When you actually arrive at a choice-point, I will show you which direction to go.
     Many people are so preoccupied with future plans and decisions that they fail to see choices they need to make today. Without any conscious awareness, they make their habitual responses. People who live this way find a dullness creeping into their lives. They sleepwalk through their days, following well-worn paths of routine.
     I, the Creator of the universe, am the most creative Being imaginable. I will not leave you circling in deeply rutted paths. Instead, I will lead you along fresh trails of adventure, revealing to you things you did not know. Stay in communication with Me. Follow My guiding Presence.

Psalm 32:8
English Standard Version

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Genesis 1:1
English Standard Version

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

My Prayer
Lord, why don't I pray more? I spend so much time of  my day trying to figure out the next decision or the next turn in the road for me, or a friend or a family member -- and you meanwhile desire me to talk to you about it, to surrender it to you and allow you to work a solution. Help me to stay in better communication with You. The problem Lord is I don't trust you; I don't think that praying to you will make that big of a difference and for that I am sorry; please, forgive me. You created me and everything I see so help me with my unbelief so that I'm turning to you first, not as a last resort.  

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: October 26

Come to Me when you are hurting, and I will soothe your pain. Come to Me when you are joyful, and I will share your Joy, multiplying it many times over. I am All you need, just when you need it. Your deepest desires find fulfillment in Me alone.
     This is the age of self-help, Bookstores abound with books about "taking care of number one," making oneself the center of all things. The main goal of these methodologies is to become self-sufficient and confident. You however, have been called to take a "road less traveled": continual dependence on Me. True confidence comes from knowing you are complete in My Presence. Everything you need has its counterpart in Me. 

John 15:5
English Standard Version

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

James 1:4
English Standard Version

And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

My Prayer
Lord, I am hurting today. Granted, it is emotional, concerned about my son and his current poor choices he is making with his life. You know about it. We've talked about it, but it hurts. It hurts to see him throwing his life away at the age of 15, with not a care in the world. Soothe my pain. Why is it I just come to you when its bad? Rarely do I come to you and celebrate victories. Yet, you are reminding me of this. You are reminding me that I need to keep coming to you. I want to be centered on you and run to you, no matter the experience and have confidence that you will take care of the problem. I do want to depend on You, not me and not even on what an author says about how I should handle this or that situation that is under your control. You are all I need. I want to believe that and live like that every moment of the day.

Update: October 26, 2017, 9:50am, Albuquerque, NM - I appreciate your prayers and standing in the gap with me. My son is 16 and still a challenge, but also a joy. His mother and I continue to commit him to the Lord, praying Ezekiel 36:26 for him daily and we are thankful for friends and many that support. We dis-enrolled him from school last month and he's doing an online public school with mostly my wife's help, as he is more accepting of her. We are praying for good people in his life, preferring people that honor God with their life. His idol of choice is Cannibas and we feel it has a big hold on him these last 2 years.  He was in substance abuse counseling for 16 months, but recently quit that since he has no desire to be sober. We understand that in life not everything works out the way we want it to, but this never changes our dependence on God and our trust and belief on Him to do the impossible and no matter the outcome, we want to continue to abide in Him. Thank you. 

Update: October 26, 2019 - My son is 18 now; he graduated from high school and is working now at a local restaurant. The bottom line is I love my son and nothing will ever change this. All of us have a tendency to turn to things not named God to cope with life and the struggles and disappointments and hurts we experience - but God remains the only anchor and help and the only one that brings true peace. While it hurts for anyone to not see this truth and naturally it hurts the most for those closest to us -- my response remains the same - love people, love God, and pray that more people, including my son, will love God more than anything else and turn to Him throughout all of the turns of life. Thank you for coming alongside me in this journey. 

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.


Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.