# 17 2024 Dev. Ecclesiastes 9:3. The Equity of Life! Read all of chapter nine first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.
Ecc. 9:3 “This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all.”
Ecc.9. Ecclesiastes is a difficult book and there are different ways to deal with it. One way is to look at the plain meaning of the text. Often the material is a foil to what is good and to what is meaningful. The “Teacher” makes an equity statement: “All share a common destiny—the righteous and the wicked”. Death.
Vs.1-2 “So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God’s hands, but no one knows whether love or hate awaits them.” In this chapter the Teacher makes observations that are followed with proverbs:
“As it is with the good,so with the sinful; as it is with those who take oaths, so with those who are afraid to take. them.”
He is speaking about death that no one can escape, as it is today in our own lives. “The righteous and the wise and what they do are in God’s hands.” This is where equity stops. Thanks be to God!
Vs.3-6. “This is the evil in everything… The same destiny overtakes all.” We all die because we are sinful but “anyone who is among the living has hope” or “What then is to be chosen?” (Notes) We have a choice between good and evil, it is better to be a poor man than to be dead and rich.
We all know that we will die, that life in this earth is over but what we
accomplish in the name of Jesus does not die, no one may
remember us our what we have done but God does and rewards His
servants. Thanks be to God!
Vs,7-12 The teacher makes the observation, “Go, eat your food … drink your wine with a joyful heart… God has already approved…enjoy life with your wife…” God does approves the enjoyment of life, He has created it and in spite of the evil that has entered into our lives our choices in faith allows us a good quality of life by God’s grace. Equality is available to all. Now we know that our life does not end on this earth, but God’s intention is for us to live forever with Him. Choose life!
In this world everything comes to the rich, the strong, the swift, the
wise, “ but time and chance happen to them all…” No, God’s blessings determine all! Are there unexpected problems and blessings, yes, but not without God’s will.
Vs.13-18 “ Wisdom Better Than Folly” A wise but poor man outsmarts a “powerful king…” saves a city but does not get the credit, “So I said, ‘Wisdom is better than strength.’” The teacher ends his pondering with a powerful proverb:
“The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.” Yes, one sinner destroyed much good. Do not be that one! Look to God for direction! Jesus is near! Amen.
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Heavenhigh 