Ecclesiastes
11 reminds me how little control we really have over things.
Sometimes we can be fooled into thinking we are too smart, or immune,
or safe, when change comes along. Financial upheaval, weather, even
the actions of people we trust, are all outside of our power. Life
experience can make us wiser or shake us to the core. Solomon begins
by talking about building and managing wealth. He notes the risk and
reward of being an entrepreneur, “Ship
your grain across the sea;
after
many days you may receive a return“.
People have made fortunes by investing their savings in an
opportunity they believe will be profitable. He is not talking about
a get-rich-quick scheme; he is discussing the business of commerce.
Next he notes the need to diversify your investments, “Invest
in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may
come“. Putting all of
your eggs into one financial basket can make you scramble after a
fall. Breaking this rule can work out in the short run, but often
today’s gurus are tomorrow’s Ponzi. I believe God gives us
stewardship over His resources and according to Luke 16:10, “Whoever
can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much“.
Have you been faithful with God’s stuff?
Next
Solomon points out that nothing replaces hard work, but some people
find excuses not to even get started. They come up with every
possible “what if” to justify their lack of activity. “Whoever
watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not
reap“. It is extremely
wise to do diligent research before beginning a new career, but there
is a limit. Just as you do not need to understand cellular
microbiology to begin a family, at some point you need to start
making a living, “you
do not know… how the body is formed
in
a mother’s womb… you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker
of all things“. He
explains building a business means lots of time and lots of effort,
“Sow your
seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for
you do not know which will succeed“.
Have you been making a half-hearted effort?
Finally
Solomon seems to be feeling his age. Any day I wake up, it is a good
day, “Light
is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun. However many years
anyone may live…enjoy them all“.
He knows he does not have many years left, and perhaps he is
speaking to the young man he used to be, “remember
the days of darkness, for there will be many“.
He advises, “You
who are young, be happy while you are young
and
let your heart give you joy“.
He clearly encourages kids to be kids. Summer is a time for
care-free fun, play and making memories. He tempers the party with
words of truth, “but
know
that for all these things God will bring you into judgment“.
There is a Law of reaping and sowing. Hosea chapter 8 warns,
“Israel
has rejected what is good… They sow the wind and reap the
whirlwind“.
Solomon closes with a twist as he addresses the aged, “banish
anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for
youth
and vigor are meaningless“.
There is a proper balance between the over exuberance of youth and
the cautious warnings of the elderly. 1
Thessalonians ends with the solution “Do
not quench the Spirit… May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept
blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls
you is faithful“.
The Holy Spirit of God
is poured out freely on those that ask, no matter what your age.
Will you trust in the faithfulness of God?