Ecclesiastes 3:1-22
Q.1. In what do we see God’s sovereign hand on display in the experiences of life? Why should we factor eternity into all our activities and experiences in life? – (Ecc.3:1-11)
Life is not arbitrary but designed by God in order to achieve His purpose – There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—(Ecc.3:1). Solomon then shared experiences from one extreme to another. These are often quoted when people are searching for an answer to the inexplicable tragedies of life- A time (x 28) including birth and death, war, and peace (Ecc.3:2-8). All these are assigned by God. To not factor God into life’s events, makes them seem mysterious and futile (Ecc.3:9-10). However, it is God Who – has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end (Ecc.3:11). Though man cannot explain it, God – has also set eternity in their heart (Ecc.3:11). The wisest and greatest experts know almost nothing about the disciplines and sciences that may be researched (Ecc.3:11 c.f. 1 Cor.1:25; 2:6-16). It doesn’t help to be too wise in our own estimation (Rom.12:3).
Q.2. Why should we include “doing good” into our lifestyle? How should we respond to God’s daily provision? How does God differ from man in all He does? Why has God so composed life? – (Ecc.3:12-15)
Solomon found that the best way to live life, is not to expect it to stay the same, but to do good while we have the opportunity (Ecc.3:11-12 c.f. Gal.6:9-10). It is better … a gift from God to be able to enjoy life and do good in one’s lifetime (Ecc.3:12). Solomon observed – I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it (Ecc.3:14). By contrast, we have no such assurances about life. Fluctuations have been built into life – for God has so worked that men should fear Him (Ecc.3:14).
Q.3. Can we avoid being exposed to evil in this life? How can we be comforted that God is the ultimate Judge? What insight did Solomon share to help us enjoy life? – (Ecc.3:12-22)
Solomon, with all his wisdom and power, concluded that justice will be overtaken by wickedness, so evil is unavoidable (Ecc.3:16). Though justice and wickedness are not always rewarded in this life – … “God will judge both the righteous man and the wicked man,” for a time for every matter and for every deed is there (Ecc.3:17). Since life is only temporary and eternity is forever, it is a comfort to know that a righteous Judge will bring a proper recompense. Solomon concluded – I have seen that nothing is better than that man should be happy in his activities, for that is his lot. For who will bring him to see what will occur after him? (Ecc.3:22). How wonderful and comforting to know the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.