There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? Ecclesiastes 2:24-25
I continue my study today of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book. Today, my focus is an unassisted review of Ecclesiastes 2:18-26, which includes both the third and fourth divisions of Ecclesiastes 2 per the commentary. Here, without going into detail reviewing the commentary - a quick glance of the commentary reveals that these two divisions (vv18-23 and vv24-26) are titled Work is Meaningless and Contentment in God and His Gifts Is the Meaningful Life. In writing how work is meaningless (vanity) - Solomon shares how it is frustrating that he works hard his whole life, accumulating wealth, etc. only to leave it behind to children or for others to benefit. This becomes more frustrating for Solomon as he writes how the recipients of these benefits will be unknown to him in terms of who they are and who they evolve to be. Solomon also shares that work produces anxiety (v23) and we know that God does not want us to worry about anything (see Matthew 6:25-34). Solomon then moves to God's role in work (vv24-26) and how working as a means to glorify God (we exist to glorify God in all that we do) brings true enjoyment and fulfillment.
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - giving me work where I find fulfillment and where my hope is that I glorify You. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You bless me. 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. 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.
