Last week’s sermon passage opens the second half of the book of Ecclesiastes (Ecc 6:10ff). After outlining the meaningless places people look for fulfilment in the first half of the book, Qohelet now wishes to tell his readers what is good in life. He starts by preparing his readers for life’s certainties. A failure to prepare for things we know will happen is the very definition of foolishness. So what are these certainties of life?
The first is death (7:1-4). Since the death rate is still hovering at 100%, a failure to at least contemplate one’s death is foolish. Arguments such as ‘The Universal Constant’ theory shows the existence of God is much more rational than atheism. So if there is a God, we need to determine which God (religion) is real, and how He wants us to relate to Him. We then live this life in light of the next.
The second certainty Qohelet wants us prepared to face is mistakes (7:5-7). Unless we’ve somehow reached perfection, we will make mistakes in this life; either foolish mistakes or outright sin. If we are too proud to face the possibility, let alone admit the probability, that we might be in the wrong, then we are to be pitied.
The third is adversity (7:8-10). If we try to ignore the certainty of hardship, hoping it will never come, we will be crushed when it does hit. Qohelet recommends being prepared through patiently trusting that God is using adversity for our benefit (Rom 8:28).
The final certainty in life is blessing (7:14). This universe is replete with God’s blessings, which he gave for our enjoyment (1 Tim 6:17). If we fail to intentionally enjoy these blessings, because we’re too distracted by life’s hardships, we are living a truly miserable life, which God never intended. Yes there is adversity in life; but God blesses us for our enjoyment.
So let’s not be caught unaware when these 4 things come our way. Rather, be prepared.
