Ecclesiastes 11-12
-By Paula Kirkpatrick (MN)
Picture a beautiful sunny day in the countryside. Fluffy white clouds move across the blue sky as a gentle wind blows. A young shepherd boy named David, tending his father’s flock of sheep, is enjoying the beauty of God’s creation surrounding him. He attentively cares for the sheep, assuring water and green pastures are available to them, keeping a watchful eye out for dangerous animals that could threaten them.
As David did his work each day, he often composed songs of praise to God, singing and playing his harp. His whole life was attuned to his heavenly Father, honoring and following Him.
It’s not hard to see why David, the shepherd boy, was chosen to be the next king of Israel to replace Saul. His seven older brothers passed by the prophet Samuel, but none of them were God’s choice. It was young David, out in the field, tending the sheep, communing with His Creator, who was eventually anointed as the next king of Israel. Why?
“God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7b)
David did not live an easy life. After Samuel anointed him as the next king of Israel, he would not take the throne for 15 years. During that time, he experienced astounding victories and merciless defeats. He killed the detestable giant Goliath, yet fled for his life from jealous King Saul. He was praised by throngs of people for his mighty triumphs in battle, yet committed moral failure with Bathsheba, even having her husband killed in battle.
Yet throughout David’s life, the Lord was by his side. From the young shepherd boy to the ailing, aged king, he sought and served God; repentant when he sinned, faithful until the end of his life.
Ecclesiastes 12:1a proclaims, “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth.” David did that, lived that. His strong, steadfast relationship with his Lord enabled him to withstand life’s trials and challenges.
In Psalm 37:25, aged David declares, “I have been young, and now I am old; I have not seen the righteous forsaken.”
Whatever age we may be, God will not abandon us.
BUT, IF YOU ARE YOUNG, I say this with heartfelt conviction. NOW, is the time to serve the Lord. DON’T WAIT!
He is always there to listen.
“This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (I John 5:14)
He is always there to help you with your problems.
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (I John 5:4)
He is always there to love you.
”We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (I John 4:16)
Let God’s overwhelming love envelop you. Respond with gratitude and resolve to serve Him faithfully.
“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.” (I John 5:3)
As the writer of Ecclesiastes concludes his discourse, he offers the same guidance.
“The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
Reflection Questions
- Why is it important to “remember” and serve God when we are young?
- In I John 5:3 and Ecclesiastes 12:13, how does the love of God and fearing God compare, in keeping His commandments?
Prayer
Dear God of Heaven & Earth – I praise You for Your always superior wisdom, love and righteousness. Thank You for Your amazing creation and the miraculous gift of life and Your presence. May I faithfully serve You, fear You, love You all my days. Help me to speak truth and the good news, always guiding others in knowing You, keeping Your commands and preparing for Your Son’s incredible and coming return. In his name I pray, amen.
Seek Grow Love 