(Ecclesiastes 12:1-14)
Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years approach when you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; 2 before the sun and the light, the moon and the stars are darkened, and clouds return after the rain; 3 on the day that the watchmen of the house tremble, and strong men are bent over, the grinders stop working because they are few, and those who look through windows grow dim; 4 and the doors on the street are shut as the sound of the grinding mill is low, and one will arise at the sound of the bird, and all the daughters of song will sing softly. 5 Furthermore, people are afraid of a high place and of terrors on the road; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and the caper berry is ineffective. For man goes to his eternal home while the mourners move around in the street. 6 Remember your Creator before the silver cord is broken and the golden bowl is crushed, the pitcher by the spring is shattered and the wheel at the cistern is crushed; 7 then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it. 8 “Futility of futilities,” says the Preacher, “all is futility!”
9 In addition to being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, searched out, and arranged many proverbs. 10 The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly.
11 The words of the wise are like goads, and masters of these collections are like driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. 12 But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive study is wearying to the body.
13 The conclusion, when everything has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. 14 For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.
TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:
This chapter is in part prophetic. It is important to know that for those who have accepted the free gift of salvation, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise which guarantees us eternal life in heaven (Ephesians 1:13). And so many times, in His word, even though the world can be a scary place, God tells believers that we are not to worry or be afraid!
Therefore, if the Tribulation should begin in our lifetime, because the Holy Spirit who right now restrains evil will be removed from the earth at that time, we will be raptured (the Greek word for "caught up") to be with Him in heaven to avoid His wrath and judgements here on the earth (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 2 Thessalonians 2). The judgements of the Tribulation are reserved for the unbelievers, and the unbelieving Jews. These judgments also serve as the signs signaling the end of the Jewish Age when Jesus returns to earth to bring peace and justice, and fulfill all covenants with Israel (Matthew 24).
Now, before the Tribulation happens, Solomon reminds the Israelites (and us) to seek the Lord God. We should be seeking God continuously for His help, strength and wisdom, even before tribulations, tests, trials and temptations happen! When we develop this valuable "habit", which is to rely upon the Lord in and for all things, we will experience a deeper peace when issues and challenges do come our way.
As verse 11 says, everything written in the Bible are God's words, and they are there for everyone! So, as we study the scriptures to hear His instructions, truth and wisdom, and as we talk to Him continuously in prayer, even though there will still be struggles, we can be confident because ...we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
At some point, everyone will face the Lord Jesus Christ as their Judge. If one has decided to reject Jesus, then they will be judged according to all the sins they have committed, and go to a place that is void of God and all His goodness. If one has decided to accept Jesus as their personal Savior, because all their sins have been forgiven, they will be judged and rewarded according to their good deeds.
The key to everything is to fear and trust God and strive to humbly live in obedience, which is only found through His salvation, which is followed by enjoying a close, personal relationship with our Lord and Savior. The value in cherishing this relationship is priceless, as He desires to faithfully guide us in truth and love towards a fulfilling life of purpose. He desires to bless us with His healing, peace and joy. And His words are sweet and comforting to those who fear and love Him!
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