December 5, 2020

UPDATE: December 6th will be the final online devotional for the time being. At some point in the future, Champion Forest Baptist Church online devotionals may resume.

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 11

Cast Your Bread upon the Waters

1 Cast your bread upon the waters,
    for you will find it after many days.
2 Give a portion to seven, or even to eight,
    for you know not what disaster may happen on earth.
3 If the clouds are full of rain,
    they empty themselves on the earth,
and if a tree falls to the south or to the north,
    in the place where the tree falls, there it will lie.
4 He who observes the wind will not sow,
    and he who regards the clouds will not reap.

5 As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything.

6 In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.

7 Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun.

8 So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity.

9 Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.

10 Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.

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

Reflection:

  • It is not completely clear what the exact interpretation is for the metaphor of casting bread upon the water, however, being generous and always being wise and responsible with your finances with the Lord in mind will bring a good return in one form or another (v. 1).
  • When you are blessed and have plenty, be generous and give to those in need when life is good. One day, when you might be in need, they can return the favor (v. 2).
  • Simply observing the skies and the clouds to decide on the perfect time to plant will result in never sowing nor reaping. The preacher says to get to work and trust God. There are so many things outside of our control and we must trust God.
  • Life and death is contrasted by the words light and darkness. There is a time to live and a time to die and we must approach both wisely (vv. 7-8).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, there is so much in this life I have no control over, but I trust you and know that you are in control of every day. I know that you go before me and will prepare me for what lies ahead. Help me to live wisely, and to seek your wisdom so that I will make good and virtuous choices that reflect well on you. Lord, I trust in you with all of my heart and I will not lean on my own understanding; I will acknowledge you in all of my ways and believe you will make the path ahead of me straight and clear (Proverbs 3:5-6). In Jesus’ name, amen.

We encourage everyone to have a daily time in God’s word. There are many devotionals available that can help in spending time with Jesus every day.  Any devotional is just meant to be a tool to help you read and reflect on God’s word and to encounter Jesus every day. Below are some biblically sound devotional resources you might consider.

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26 ESV).

7 thoughts on “Daily Devotional-December 5th”

  1. Today, Father, I thank you for another day. May I praise your Holy Name throughout this day. And if you grant me another day, may I never cease to praise you.

    Many family members and friends are hurting, some are ill, some have financial burdens so heavy that they see no way out. You are our provider, sustainer, healer, comforter.

    Hold each of our family members and friends close to your heart. Whisper in their ears: “I Love You with a love that is never ending.”

    Father, thank you for loving me.

    Amen

  2. Oh yes thank you Lord Jesus for Your love that is everlasting. Thank you and bless all these people who are a part of this devotional. Oh Lord Jesus Bless the one who started this. Wrap them in Your arms. Guide them each day and continue to pour out Your wisdom and understanding in their hearts. Pour out Your Holy Spirit to all the prayer warriors You brought to this devotional and bless them for they blessed me so much. Jesus I bless You and thank you most of all. Thank you for blessing me during this time. Over and over You spoke to me and I have been comforted. Father may Your Will be done in our lives. In Jesus Name Amen.

  4. Dear Heavenly Father,
    I will cast my faith and trust in You knowing you will make my paths clear to do your will. If it is not in your will, set up a road block for me to see. Only you know my future and I only want you to be in control. I will help the needy, especially those in my family, as much as I can. Thank you for all of the many blessings you have given to me throughout the years. I give You all the praise and glory. In Jesus’name. Amen

  5. Heavenly Father, we Praise and Thank YOU for Your direction by your WORD. May we be obedient to Your Word, knowing that You fulfill the deepest joys of our hearts according to Your Will. And as we
    surrender our need to You, may we wait patiently and experience Your abundant provision. For Y
    ou meet all our needs according to thy riches. In JESUS’ name, Amen.

  6. Thank you CFBC for this season of daily devotionals. Thank you Father for your generosity to me and my family. I will be diligent to do your will and with your favor, live a life of generosity toward others, In Jesus’ name.

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