We're skipping ahead a few chapters, but the end of Ecclesiastes defines where true life begins.
Read / Listen to the chapter:
Read the chapter in an outlined format
Definitions of key terms in Ecclesiastes which make it much easier to understand.
Ecclesiastes 12 Summary
The opening 7 verses of Ecclesiastes 12 are one, long depressing sentence (try reading it in the outlined format using the drop down link above to better see its structure).
The bottom line: your future may have some bright spots along the way, but life under the sun will quickly be darkened, and you will return to the dust you were created from. Cling to God's promises now while you still can.
We've been listening these last couple of weeks to the Preacher, a character based on the life of King Solomon. His lesson is now complete, an in v8, the narrator (who we haven't heard from since the Preacher was introduced in 1:2) steps in to bring things to a conclusion:
Everything is meaningless, but yet mankind will forever write, study, and yearn for something more. But under the sun, it will only lead to weariness (v12).
Dig Deeper
Ecclesiastes, though it seems very dark and depressing at times, is actually a very optimistic book.
Though life under the sun seems meaningless, life beyond the sun has eternal consequence.
In other words, as a Christian who has been raised with Christ, your life matters!
Verse 13-14 explains why:
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
We often associate God's judgment with His condemnation of evil deeds. God's judgment certainly includes that, but it's not just your sins that God will consider. He will also recognize the good you have done and reward it!
The message of Ecclesiastes is simple, and it ought to be your philosophy in life:
Fear God and keep His commandments (especially the commandment to repent and trust in Christ!). Realize this world is broken, but enjoy the good things He gives you in the moment He gives them. Hold onto life under the sun loosely, but remember everything you do matters, so glorify God in all things.
AAA Prayer:
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Our Father, for whom we must have holy fear;
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Thank God that your life matters, and pray that you will glorify Him in all you do.
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
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