November 27, 2020

The title of the book in the Old Testament we refer to as Ecclesiastes comes from the Septuagint (LXX) which uses the Greek word ekklesiastes. The word means “preacher” and refers to the one who gathers an assembly of people and speaks to them. Solomon is accepted as the author of Ecclesiastes by most scholars. In the first verse he refers to himself as “the son of David, king in Jerusalem.” Additionally, he says he is, “king over Israel in Jerusalem” (1:12), and “besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge.” (12:9).  Solomon was known as the son of King David (1 Kings 3), the third king over the united kingdom of Israel, and for unmatched wisdom in the land (1:16). The book can be dated around 930 B.C. because it was most likely composed in Solomon’s latter years.

Even though Solomon did not initially ask for long life, wealth, or the death of his enemies, but for wisdom to govern the people of Israel, God granted both.  However, even though he knew better, he acted foolishly by taking many wives and worshipping other gods. He became selfish and apathetic towards God. Ecclesiastes is autobiographical as the old king reflects on his many foolish decisions and empty pursuits. He concludes that life without God and the pursuit of pleasure is all “vanity.” He warns subsequent generations to avoid the same mistakes he made and that a life lived without God is futile and meaningless.

Ecclesiastes 3

A Time for Everything

1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

2 a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break 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 cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.

The God-Given Task

9 What gain has the worker from his toil? 10 I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. 12 I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; 13 also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.

14 I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him. 15 That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away.

From Dust to Dust

16 Moreover, I saw under the sun that in the place of justice, even there was wickedness, and in the place of righteousness, even there was wickedness. 17 I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work. 18 I said in my heart with regard to the children of man that God is testing them that they may see that they themselves are but beasts. 19 For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity. 20 All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return. 21 Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down into the earth? 22 So I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work, for that is his lot. Who can bring him to see what will be after him?

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Reflection:

  • God is in charge of time and life for every person. There are times in everyone’s life when priorities and blessings come and go. However, any pursuits apart from God are ultimately in vain. Can you think of times in your life when priorities, hopes, and dreams changed?
  • Everything God has created is beautiful and fully appreciated in the proper time. God has put “eternity in” the hearts of people.  Can you recall the time before you placed your trust in Christ? Can you remember that sense of need for God (v. 11)?
  • According to Solomon, what is a gift from God (v. 13)?
  • Solomon acknowledges God’s greatness and that he is in control of everything and his will is perfect. Does God’s greatness cause you to have a sense of awe and worship of him?
  • God will judge righteousness and wickedness and will evaluate the purpose of every work (v. 17)? What thoughts come to your mind about the day God will judge every person?
  • Even though the bodies of every living creature will come to the same end—dust to dust (v. 20). But mankind has a unique relationship with God because we are created in his image (v. 21).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know that you hold this world and the times and seasons in your hands. You have put eternity within the hearts of every human, but not all seek you.  We were made to worship but many worship something other than you. I thank you for revealing yourself to me so that I could be saved. Help me to share your truth and love so that others will seek you. I know that without faith it is impossible to please you, but that you reward those who seek you with their whole heart (Hebrews 11:6). In Jesus’ name, amen.

8 thoughts on “Daily Devotional-November 27th”

    1. AMEN And HALLELUJAH!!!! THANK YOU FOR SHARING. I WANT TO BE EVERYTHING YOU WANT ME TO BE. HELP ME TO BE ABLE TO SHOW OTHERS HOW HAPPY I HAVE YOU IN MY LIFE. IN JESUS NAME AMEN

  2. I will fear God. Everything He does will remain forever. I will not add to it or take from it.

  3. Father,

    I am in the midst of a storm. Father, you are my rock.

    I am pressed from all sides. Father, you are my fortress.

    I am being swallowed. Father, you are my deliverer.

    Father, you place my feet on the rock. I take refuge in your presence. You are my shield and my salvation.

    Whom shall I fear? There is none, no not one, as great as you LORD.

    The LORD lives forever and forever. Blessed be my rock.

    May the wanderers in my life meet the Creator of the universe today? Someday they will meet the LORD. May they be ready?

    I exalt the God of my salvation.

    I am able by and through and in the name of his son, Jesus Christ,

    Amen

  4. Dear Heavenly Father.
    I know that You created the world and all of its beauty. You control time, space, the seasons and everything revolves around your commands. Please help me live my life to the fullest that you have laid out for me. This is my time. Let me use it wisely to glorify you. Thank you for this wonderful gift of life. Guide me today and everyday forward to live a life pleasing to you. In Jesus name, Amen.

  5. God I am going through one of the toughest storms of my life with my husband’s health right now. I pray every morning for a answer believing this is it his ostomy wafer is going to hold and it is not. The nurses do not know what to do,you are my only source of guidance what needs to be done. I pray every morning for a answer from you since March and I cannot give up because even though there are times I feel you are not here I know you are. I ask you for your help in this matter.

  6. In all seasons you are with me! Thank you Lord for never leaving or forsaking me, even when I have left and forsaken you. The work you have given me is a privilege. Help me take joy in all that you give me to do.

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