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. Ecclesiastes 3:14
I continue my study today of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book. Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Ecclesiastes 3:10-15, which is the second division of Ecclesiastes 3 per the commentary. A few key excerpts from the commentary to unpack v11:
- "God is the One in charge of these times and appointed activities. And it sets up what follows. The overarching point seems to be that God has appointed or ordained all of these things as part of His bigger, hidden plan."
- "The limit of man’s knowledge is a major theme in Ecclesiastes, and the purpose of exposing that reality is to drive us to faith in God."
- "We perceive and long for better things than this cursed misery, but we cannot see the full picture, and we must lean on God. We are trapped between time and eternity, and we must trust that God uses the details to work out a grander plan."
- "You were made for the Divine and for His purpose, so there should be no surprise that you get frustrated when you turn away from Him. That is the frustration Solomon has been exposing throughout the book. God wants you to be dissatisfied until you come to fellowship with Him."
To help unpack vv12-13, the commentary shares: "[a]gain the question must be asked, Who pleases God? The answer is that none of us do because we have all sinned, but Jesus Christ is the well-pleasing Son who never sinned but took God’s wrath against our sins on the cross, so that by means of faith we might become pleasing and acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Therefore, only those who believe the gospel can rightly enjoy God’s blessings as God intended instead of turning the blessings into idols."
On the question of how God's plans are perfect - vv14-15 - the commentary concludes with encouraging words how believers should see the perfection of His plan, which included Jesus dying on the cross for all of humanity's sins, as hope for sinners not just in this world but in the world to come - Heaven. Believe in Him!
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - thank You for giving me hope in this world so that I don't feel futility but instead feel and see purpose...which is to bring glory to You. I am not deserving of how You save me and give me hope. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
