Fear God Because Death Comes Quickly

Ecclesiastes 12:1–14
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This chapter seems to be saying, “Don’t be upset because youth fades” (v. 1). Be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth.” As Christians, we must learn to be content even in our aging body. God takes us through the cycles of life because we are homeward bound. The writer uses three illustrations to explain these cycles of life:

1. Life gathers like the weather (v. 2). Our sight will be impaired and clouds of trouble will come but if we have decided to follow the Lord we know where we are headed.

2. Life is like a great house in decline (vv. 3-4). “When keepers of the hands tremble” refers to our hands and arms shaking. When “strong men stoop” this refers to our legs and feet getting weak. “When the grinders cease” refers to the teeth falling out and “the windows grow dim” means we loose our eyesight.

3. Life is frail like all fragile things (vv. 5-8). The teacher uses the following poetic illustrations here to show human life in a state of decline: (1) the almond tree; (2) the grasshopper; (3) mourners stirred; (4) the silver cord broken; (5) the golden bowl broken; (6) the pitcher broken; (7) the wheel is broken; (8) dust return to the ground. All is futile and empty (v. 8).

Finally we come to the conclusion of the whole matter (vv. 9-14).  The problems of life today are similar to the problem of life several thousand years ago. All people will have to stand before God and be judged for what they have done in this life.

Application

It is foolish for me to spend my life striving for the very happiness that God wants to give me freely through the cycles of this life, in preparation for the life to come.