Living with Purpose - 4
Studies in the book of Ecclesiastes - Chapter 3
Is it possible to live in this world with a sense of purpose and fulfilment? Solomon says it is, as long as God is the centre of your life. One benefit of knowing God is that it brings a real sense of stability and security to your life. This time we look at chapter three of Ecclesiastes. This chapter shows us two Bible truths that are a tremendous benefit in today's turbulent world. We discover how we can find purpose even in difficult times. It is when you are going through problems that you ask the question, "Why?"
Solomon shares two truths that will inject strength into your soul. The first is that God is sovereign. Verses 1 to 8 of chapter 3 are probably the best known verses in the book of Ecclesiastes. We read in verse 1, "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven. " Then a list follows of all the various circumstances we face in life. Verse 4 says there is, "A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. " These verses teach us that nothing ever happens by chance. Each event is appointed by God, and is under his sovereign control. We read in verse 14, "God does it". This is proven in verse 2. We read there, "a time to be born and a time to die. " Did you have any control over the time of your birth? Of course not! Will you have any control over the day you die? No! The events of life are in the hands of God. We do not believe in coincidence. Nothing is accidental. Nor do we believe in fatalism. God appoints the time for all things. That is a comforting truth in a confused world that is constantly changing. God is at work fulfilling his purposes for his glory and the well-being of his people. God is not responsible for the sin in the world. That is caused by man's stubborn selfishness and rejection of the Gospel. But even then God can turn that around to further his purposes. We see this concerning the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. We read in Acts 2 verse 22, "This man was handed over to you by Gods set purpose and foreknowledge; and you with the help of wicked men, put him to death on the cross. " Now it is easier for you to accept that God is at work in your life when all is going well. Solomon speaks of days of planting, healing, building and mending. But what about the difficult times? What purpose is here in tearing down, weeping, or mourning that Solomon speaks about as well. How can these times be profitable for me? The answer is in verse 11. We read, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. " We might not see times of difficulty as beautiful, but they are. In God’s purposes they are, as they are used in the hands of the potter to make something lovely from the clay for his praise. He uses all the various issues of life. In our opinion an operation may not be beautiful. Redundancy, illness, pressure and stress, family problems, how can these be beautiful? You say, "I can't see it", but God can. He sees the end result. There is a poem and it goes like this: "My life is just a weaving between my God and me, I do not choose the colours He weaveth steadily. Oft times He weaveth sorrow and I in foolish pride, forget He sees the upper and I the underside. Not till the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly, will God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why. The dark threads are as needful in the skilful weavers hand, as the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned. " How then should we respond? Verse 12 says, "I know that there is nothing better for a man than to be happy. " Rejoice in the midst of your problems. God is doing a great and necessary work in your life. We read in the same verse, "do good while they live. " Make the best of things that come your way. Use your days, not in complaining, but in doing good to others. Verse 13 says, "that every man may find satisfaction in his toil. " Be thankful for all the good you get from your labour. Look on the bright side of life. Think of all the blessings God has given you. Acknowledge the perfection of God’s ways in your life. Verse 14 says, "I know that everything God does will endure for ever, nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God does it that men may revere Him." Our response to God’s ways in our lives should be a reverent spirit of worship and trust.
The second truth that will give us a sense of purpose in life is that God is Judge. Verse 15 begins the Teacher's second main sermon and takes us to chapter 5 verse 20. Verse 15 says, "God will call the past into account. " There is going to be a day of judgement. Have you ever felt that there have been injustices in life that have never been sorted out? You hear of some people who seem to be getting away with things. Solomon noticed that. He said in verse 16, "In the place of judgement wickedness was there. " He saw corruption in high places of society. The offenders appeared to be getting away with it. It is frustrating when you see that happen. Solomon consoled his heart by remembering that man will not escape God’s justice. He says in verse 17, "God will bring to judgement both the righteous and the wicked. " Some people laugh at the idea of a judgement day. Solomon shows how they think. He shows it in verse 19, "Man's fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both. " There is no thought of an after life and giving account to God. Verse 20 shows their reasoning. We read, "All go to the same place, all come from dust, and to dust all return. " We will live with purpose when we know that we will have to give an account to God of all that we have done. That will prompt us to live in a way that is pleasing to God. This is the most fulfilling lifestyle anyone can lead. We read in 2 Corinthians 5 verse 10, "For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due to him for the things done in the body, whether good or bad. " A lot of frustrations with the injustices of life are easier to deal with when you know that no one gets away with anything. We read in Hebrews 9 verse 27, "Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgement. " Turn from your sin and corruption now. Seek God’s forgiveness. Be sure to face Him on that judgement day as a sinner cleansed in the blood of Jesus Christ. If you are a believer, be assured that every crime against God and humanity will be exposed to God's judgement and justice. The sovereignty of God and the justice of God give life meaning in a world full of trials and injustice.