The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
I return briefly (for one day) to my study of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book. My focus this morning is the concluding division from the concluding chapter in the commentary that explores 12:9-14, which are the last five verses of Ecclesiastes. The commentary's final chapter is entitled The Preacher on Preaching (Wisdom from a Wise Wordsmith), and this third and final division discussed in this commentary chapter covers Ecclesiastes 12:11, 13-14 and is entitled Exhortation. As the broad theme of this chapter (see also post here) is about how pastors should carefully and fearfully fulfill their role in teaching scripture, the commentary for this division refers us to Luke 24:44 where Jesus "teaches us in Luke 24 that all of Scripture is about Him—all of it. That includes the book of Ecclesiastes[.]" We are also referred to Tim Keller where he discusses in more detail how the whole Bible points to Jesus. We are encouraged to dig deeper into scripture to see how Jesus is in all of scripture and the redemptive story of the Gospel. The text and commentary end with a warning to be obedient and holy as "Solomon tells us a day of reckoning is coming. It will be comprehensive and detailed in scope. Every thought and every action will be exposed to the searchlight of God’s judgment. Not one thing will escape. Not one person will escape." Surrender to God and be ready!
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of love and grace for me - making me one of Your elect and helping me prepare for Your return. Thank You Jesus for Your Word as a means to direct my steps and of course for my salvation! I am not deserving of such gifts and blessings...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.
