Walking Thru Ecclesiastes

Solomon’s Final Conclusion

Ecclesiastes 9:1 - 12:14

 

“This, too, I carefully explored: Even though the actions of godly and wise people are in God’s hands, no one knows whether God will show them favor.”- Ecclesiastes 9:1 ^{New Living Translation}

                  In this chapter once again, we see Solomon returning to the theme of death. It is inevitable. It comes to all men, both good and bad … righteous and unrighteous.  God controls all things. This is why good things happen to bad people and bad things happen to good people. His design and plan for mankind is beyond reproach. There are purposes and reasons for all that takes place. We don’t see the whole plan, but God has painstakingly put together a plan so perfect, yet so unknowable by mortal man, that in the end we shall stand in dumbfounded amazement at all that transpired behind the scenes to make his plan come to its ultimate conclusion. God loves us whether we do good or bad. Can we say the same about our feelings for God? If things don’t happen to go the way we’d like do we love him any less?

            We as a people must come to the realization that everything isn’t going to come down to what makes us happy or sad. God loves who he loves and hates what he hates. He brings about what he wishes and depending on each outcome, we have no right to utter the question, “What have I done to deserve this?” It is part of life. Perhaps something you said or did brought about a negative outcome. It’s easy to understand that a person who has experienced a positive outcome would not utter the same question.

            We cannot know how things will turn out. Whether we will experience triumph or pain. No assurances are given to us, only the words of scripture and the hope it provides. In the end, there are only two ways you can go thru life: you can live a righteous and wise life following God’s precepts and thus be in the hollow of his hand or you can live as an unregenerate man utilizing only your own resources. Because of the free will given to you by God, it is your choice. Choose wisely.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing. 

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Old Testament; The Reformation Study Bible; NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible; The Orthodox Study Bible.