Ecclesiastes #13

Introduction:

Connection:

Monks are men of isolation—who despise the physical body and gifts of God—to produce a false sense of godliness and asceticism. Monkery is a False-Piety that neglects the Good Gifts of Enjoying God’s Creation. Living as a monk in a cloister is sinful—failing to be salt and light. No wonder that monks are typically grumpy and gloomy! They have been weaned from the joys of our Father’s world. Grumpy gloominess is sin—but joyful delight is godly. Christianity is purposed toward giving us the fullness joy of Jesus Christ—in the spiritual, and then in its proper place, the physical.

“He is gloomy, not because he has too much religion, but too little!” (Bridges).

Solomon has a Word for us this morning—a life changing Word about true Christian living through Christ our Lord:

Theme:

Fearful Joy & Living Hope

Need:

We need real, deep, abiding, genuine, sincere, and spiritual joy—we need the joy of the Lord to be our strength—we need the joy of the Spirit to be our character.

Purpose:

To exhort the church to fear the Lord in joyful humility; to remind the saints about the realities of death and hope; and to encourage Christians to be joyful and hard working for the glory of God!

Recap:

Last Sabbath we saw the realities of the strength of shining wisdom—and how such godly wisdom and a biblical worldview gives strength for humble obedience to King Jesus—now we come to a further section in Eccl. where Solomon is back in meditation mode. We went through two chapters of proverbs, and now we come back to 4 paragraphs of reflections on facing death in the fear of God, and facing life in the joy of God.

Open your Bibles:

Eccl. 8:10-9:10 ESV

PRAY - PRAY - PRAY - PRAY - PRAY - PRAY - PRAY - PRAY

(1) Fearful Christians are those who are Protected by God - v. 8:10-13.

Ecclesiastes 8:10–13 ESV

Then I saw the wicked buried. They used to go in and out of the holy place and were praised in the city where they had done such things. This also is vanity. Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil. Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God, because they fear before him. But it will not be well with the wicked, neither will he prolong his days like a shadow, because he does not fear before God.

(1) Fearful Christians are those who are Protected by God - v. 8:10-13.

8:10 Then I saw the wicked buried. They used to go in and out of the holy place and were praised in the city where they had done such things. This also is vanity.

The wicked live, they go in and out, they even attend church, they go to the temple of the living God, they go through the motions, they get praise from the children of men, but they live the double-minded life, they die, they are buried, and they face the judgment of God Almighty—this is a vain vapor—to receive the praise of men, while living a wicked life of selfishness, to then be buried in the wrath of God. To such people who are living primarily for the things of this earth, Jesus tells us what His Father things:

Luke 12:20 ESV

But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’

All your going in and going out—and yet the wicked man never gives consideration to his soul and his eternal destiny—what profits a man if he gains the world but loses his soul? Some of you here might be this wicked man—going to the holy place—praised by men—but never considering the things of eternity. Being warned of the coming judgment—brushing the conviction of your conscience off for the sake of worldly pursuits ends in wrath and vanity, in death and judgment. Jesus says, repent, or you will likewise perish.

11 Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil.

Injustice in God’s world, leads to rebellion in God’s creatures. Because God is slow to anger, and long suffering—because he is patient in withholding his wrath for the day of judgment—because the civil magistrate fails to execute punishment for sin—because our systems are full of corruption and bribery—this leads wicked men to think that they can get away with their evil deeds. Because other wicked people get away with their sinful actions, this enflames the fleshly heart of fallen mankind to follow suit and join in the evil cause. Man’s heart is totally depraved, enslaved to sin—and it will take any opportunity it gets to indulge in evil while seemingly escaping the consequences. But be warned—nothing escapes the sight of God. What is done in the darkness will be brought into the light—and the Lord Jesus will repay all wickedness with eternal darkness and everlasting fire, where the worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. So Solomon shows us the two opposites of believers and unbelievers:

12 Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God, because they fear before him. 13 But it will not be well with the wicked, neither will he prolong his days like a shadow, because he does not fear before God.

The scales of justice and recompense are not properly balanced in this life. Due to the fall, we have Psalms like Ps. 73 where the Spirit-inspired-writer cries out: “Why do the wicked prosper?!”. And elsewhere Job cries out: “Why do the wicked live, reach old age, and grow mighty in power”? (Job 21:7).

And so Solomon here says, though the wicked prosper—it is only an illusion. The day is coming when the wicked will be judged. Though it goes well with the wicked in this life, it won’t go well with the wicked in the afterlife. On the contrary, though it doesn’t go well with the righteous in this life, because they fear God, with a trembling trust in Jesus Christ, it will go well with them in the afterlife. They will receive grace, mercy, salvation, and eternal life—while the wicked is cast into outer darkness to receive wrath, fury, judgment, and eternal death. Don’t live by sight, beloved—live by faith—in the fearful trust of the living God and his eternal Son, Jesus Christ.

Borgman says: “The wise man knows that even if a sinner commits a hundred crimes, doesn’t pay for them, and lives a long life, it will still go better for God-fearing-people. The fool walks by sight. The wise walks by faith. Faith says true shalom rests on those who fear the Lord and payday someday for the rest. Fearing the Lord has true reward, but not fearing Him has destructive consequences.

Isaiah 3:10–11 ESV

Tell the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their deeds. Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him, for what his hands have dealt out shall be done to him.

The wicked is not fully punished in this life—so don’t fall into the snare of the evil one who temps us to think that he is going to get away by his skin—no—he will face the wrath of the Lamb on that great and fearful day of the Lord. Don’t be fooled by appearances—trust the Word of God by faith, whose promises never fail—promises of wrath for the unrepentant—and promises of grace for the repentant. The same faithful Jesus who is Lord in grace to the church—is the same faithful Jesus who is Lord in judgment to the world. On that day he will make the final separation of the sheep and the goats, and that day will put all foolish appearances behind us (Matt. 25; Rev. 20).

Flee from sin, trust in Jesus, repent of your evil, cling to God’s mercy, be born again by the Spirit—and you can know today that it will go well with you, you who fear God—for the friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and he reveals to them the secrets of his covenant of grace—such blessings of salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord (Ps. 25). Find protection in the shelter of his wings, before you cry out for shelter from the wrath of the Lamb. Find protection in the only Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus (1 Tim. 2).

(1) Fearful Christians are those who are Protected by God - v. 8:10-13.

This brings us from the solemn warning, to the joyful imperative:

(2) Humble Christians are those who Toil with Joy in God - v. 8:14-17

Ecclesiastes 8:14–17 ESV

There is a vanity that takes place on earth, that there are righteous people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked, and there are wicked people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity. And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun. When I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done on earth, how neither day nor night do one’s eyes see sleep, then I saw all the work of God, that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. However much man may toil in seeking, he will not find it out. Even though a wise man claims to know, he cannot find it out.

(2) Humble Christians are those who Toil with Joy in God - v. 8:14-17

14 There is a vanity that takes place on earth, that there are righteous people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked, and there are wicked people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity.

In Solomon’s frustration about the perplexities of life—about how righteous people get the wicked’s reward in this life—and about how the wicked get the righteous people’s reward in this life—he cries out at this vain vapor—and as is his usual course of action: he directs our focus away from despair—and toward the joy of the Lord.

15 And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.

What do we do when the church is persecuted by the world? What do we do when government is run by tyrants? What do we do when abortion and homosexuality prevail in culture? What do we do when thieves and liars run society? What do we do when hate and fury fills our neighbours? What do we do when justice is inverted by human folly? What do we do when homeless are treated as scum? What do we do when all such things weigh heavy upon our souls? Well, yes, we strive for justice and mercy, being salt and light—but Solomon doesn’t stress that here—Solomon says, be joyful in the Lord, throw a feast, eat, drink be joyful, and let this merriness carry you on through life’s turmoil and pain. When WW3 is around the corner—when death peeks its head through the window—when injustice slams down the door, what is Solomon’s godly advice, inspired by the Spirit? He says to throw a party with some Christians, eat some good food, with some good drink, rejoice in the hope to come, and be filled with the happiness of knowing the living God in such evil times. What do you do when the world is falling apart? Aside from all other Christian duties—Solomon says, enjoy the good and fleeting gifts of God!

O’Donnel says: We are to enjoy God’s good gifts. There is even a place for extravagant feasting! And as Pastor Solomon teaches, we are to enjoy life (go ahead and serve your friends and your pastor a million-dollar dinner today!) because we can trust in God’s good governance in a world that we know is unwisely governed. By submitting to authority, fearing God, and embracing joy, we are to live within the limits to the limit!

Borgman adds: Gifts are gifts, not gods. Solomon says, keep that in perspective, then take a full swing at enjoyment!

There is a time to feast, even during the time to mourn—the wise heart knows the proper place and time—the seasoned Christian knows that the joy of the Holy Spirit is the rope to hold on to during the collapse of society. Don’t be a gloomy and grumpy critic—be a counter cultural Christian who is so happy and contented in Christ—that nothing can steal your joy from you! This joy isn’t optional it’s a command! Count it all joy my brothers, serve the Lord with joy and gladness! God commands us to be filled with joyfulness and gladness of heart in the abundance of his gifts (Deut. 28:47).

And so this will get us through hard times—and will give us grace to work hard in such times. Solomon then adds:

16 When I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done on earth, how neither day nor night do one’s eyes see sleep, 17 then I saw all the work of God, that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. However much man may toil in seeking, he will not find it out. Even though a wise man claims to know, he cannot find it out.

And so during the collapse of Western civilization through godless and rampant immorality—what are we not to do? We are not to try and unravel the deep things of God—the mysteries of his providence and ways—gazing into the secrets of his decree—and trying to dot our i’s and cross our t’s. We are to trust His Word, get good sleep, humbly submit to His sufficient revelation in Scripture—and remember that it is the fools pleasure to try and find out that which God has hidden from us. Even though a wise man claims to know, he cannot find it out.

Matthew Henry says: Solomon would not have us try to give a reason for what God does. But, leaving the Lord to clear up all difficulties in his own time, we may cheerfully enjoy the comforts, and bear up under the trials of life; while peace of conscience and joy in the Holy Ghost will abide in us through all outward changes, and when flesh and heart shall fail.

So we close our lips, rest our hearts in Scripture, cast our hope upon Jesus, and live with godly joy in the Kingdom that we have received, a Kingdom of the age to come, a Kingdom that is unshakeable—and which has dawned in the present age through the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word and Spirit.

Romans 14:17 ESV

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

(2) Humble Christians are those who Toil with Joy in God - v. 8:14-17

From valley to mountain, and back to the valley—we return to meditate on life and death:

(3) Hopeful Christians are those who Face Death with God - v. 9:1-6

Ecclesiastes 9:1–6 ESV

But all this I laid to heart, examining it all, how the righteous and the wise and their deeds are in the hand of God. Whether it is love or hate, man does not know; both are before him. It is the same for all, since the same event happens to the righteous and the wicked, to the good and the evil, to the clean and the unclean, to him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice. As the good one is, so is the sinner, and he who swears is as he who shuns an oath. This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that the same event happens to all. Also, the hearts of the children of man are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead. But he who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and forever they have no more share in all that is done under the sun.

(3) Hopeful Christians are those who Face Death with God - v. 9:1-6

What is the point of verses 1-3? It doesn’t matter if you are righteous or wicked, godly or sinful, wise or foolish, loving of hating, good or evil—such things cannot give you victory over death—death will come for us all, it is the event that happens to all—and so we must be prepared to face death with God—by the Gospel of Jesus Christ who frees us from death through his death on Calvary’s Cross—conquering sin, death, Satan, and God’s wrath—and securing mercy, grace, forgiveness, and eternal life for all who believe. However, most people are full of evil in life, not considering the realities of death and their need of Jesus—and so they are filled with madness in their hearts. Solomon wants to rebuke that with an illustration about a dog and a lion. He says:

4 But he who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. 5 For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and forever they have no more share in all that is done under the sun.

If there is a pulse in our veins—there is hope. There is still time to get right with the living God. There is still time to repent of our sins, and to put our trust in Jesus Christ—there is still time to find peace with God before you face the wrath of God. Why? Because a living dog is better than a dead lion.

Borgman comments: “Surely a live dog is better than a dead lion. No Israelite in their right mind would have a pet dog. Dogs were held in contempt. But the lion, now there’s a beast to be admired. Strong, fierce, regal, and feared! Solomon is so committed to breathing in this world that he says a live dog is better than a dead lion. But the living know they will die. The reason it is better to be a live dog is because the living has time to reckon with the reality of death. The dead have lost that opportunity. It is too late. To live in light of one’s impending death affords us the opportunity to be prepared to meet God, and it also empowers us to embrace this life as a gift to enjoy. Those who know they are going to die are best equipped to enjoy this fleeting life. Death brings an end to those opportunities”

Strong lions who were the kings of the animal kingdom—when they die—they lose all the might they have.

But despised dogs who are still living, though they have nothing—they have hope and time to repent.

We must face death—before death faces us. We must be saved from death, before death defeats us. Once we drop dead—all hope is lost for those who have not received Jesus Christ. Don’t be a fool, don’t be deceived—Jesus stands ready to save any and all who come to Him, and if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved! (Rom. 10).

The living have hope—and they must run to Jesus NOW, not tomorrow—NOW! You could die tonight and it will be too late! But if you repent now, you will live forever!

John 11:25–26 ESV

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Do you believe this Calvary? Praise God for victory over death in the Lion of the Tribe of Judah—no grave can take away the life that is in this Lion. We think even now of Bubbles—who has conquered death through Jesus—and is now in the presence of her great God and Saviour.

(3) Hopeful Christians are those who Face Death with God - v. 9:1-6

This brings us to our fourth point and one of my favourite verses in the Bible:

(4) Merry Christians are those who Live and Love for God - v. 9:7-10

Ecclesiastes 9:7–10 ESV

Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head. Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.

(4) Merry Christians are those who Live and Love for God - v. 9:7-10

And so, in light of injustice in the world, in light of the reality of coming death, in light of evil men prospering, in light of sleepless anxiety, in light of all this life of hebel … Solomon exhorts us:

7 Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.

Find delight in the rich blessings of God our Father. Eat your bread with joy! Drink your wine with a merry heart, or your grape juice if you’re a baptist ;) Receive these gifts with gratitude—spend your life well! God has already approved of you, he has already accepted you in the Beloved if you’re a Christian. He has already saved you through Christ. He has already sealed you by the Spirit. So live for His glory by enjoying His gifts with a heart of praise! This is Christian joy in this pilgrim way—not monkery—but godly joy and moderation with the gifts of our bountiful God! Go, says Solomon, don’t waste your breath! Don’t quench the joy of God in his precious gifts to his beloved children! I love what Borgman says on this text:

“Food is the gift of God, and good tasting food is the good gift of God. God takes delight when we enjoy His gifts. So kick death in the teeth by marinating the rib eyes, lighting up the barbecue, and baking the potatoes. Spiritually use butter and sour cream. Don’t forget a salad for conscience’s sake and enjoy it all to the glory of God. As the food delights the taste buds, give thanks to the One who provided it. Don’t over-eat and abuse God’s gifts but enjoy the food that He has given.

8 Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head.

Be festive! Dress up! Buy the coat. Buy the shirt. Buy the jacket. Don’t store up treasures on earth—true—but don’t live in poverty either! Wear some nice perfume (just not at church)—enjoy our gifts in the service of our King—and spend your gifts for the glory of our King. To let not oil be lacking means that we are permitted to enjoy more than the bare minimum—insofar as we steer away from luxury and indulgence. He who has ears, let him hear! And then Solomon adds:

9 Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun.

For those of us who are married, Solomon says, why is your marriage a tension-filled-party-of-strife! Enjoy your wife, enjoy your spouse, forgive each other, love each other, serve each other, enjoy God’s gifts together, read the Scriptures, serve Christ together, go camping, go for dates, go to the movies, go to 5Stones for the Weekend ;) And enjoy the life and wife that God has given you under the sun. She might be gone tomorrow, you might be gone tomorrow—so God commands us to live today in our gifts as if it was our last day to live—be wise, be prudent, and be generous—for this is your portion in life under the sun. If Christian marriages obeyed this command—the allegory of Christ and the Church would shine bright as the sun—a godly marriage, a delightful relationship, an enjoyable life—I am my beloveds, and my beloved is mine—the Scripture doesn’t say to be grumpy, critical, angry, sour, discontented, stressed, uptight, bitter, judgmental, weighed down, burdened, and miserable in our marriages—but joyful and loving and happy—as we reflect the eternal pleasures that Jesus Christ has for his Bride, the church. Oh that our marriages would be happy, that our homes would be joyful, and that Christ would be honoured. This is Christian living to the glory of God! Finally, Solomon gives us a final command regarding our work:

10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.

Don’t be a sit at home sloth—be a hard working Christian—whatever God has called you to, whatever your vocation is, whatever your assignments are—do them with excellence, do them with honour, do them with sweat, do them with energy, do them with zeal, do them with strength, and do them for the glory of God our Savior! You can’t work for God’s glory in the grave—so don’t waste your work—let it be a part of your service to Christ our King—whatever you do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord. Long ago there was something called the Protestant-work-ethic. Puritans moving to North America were emboldened to work hard for God’s Kingdom—knowing their work was not in vain. When God gets ahold of a man or women, they don’t become lazy, they become zealous for God’s glory. Food, relationships, and work—with godly fear, with living hope, with happy joy—this is the good life—this is the Christian life—this is godliness at its core.

God give us grace, to love you with all our heart, to delight in your with all our soul, and to let that overflow into every relationship and responsibility that you have given us in this earth.

Jonathan Edwards resolved at a young age: “To love with all my might, while I do live”. We could use some of that? Amen? Paul says:

Philippians 1:27 (ESV)

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Let it be so, Lord! Let it be so.

(4) Merry Christians are those who Live and Love for God - v. 9:7-10

So Calvary, hear now our conclusion:

(C) Fearful Joy and Living Hope produces Healthy Christian Living

And healthy Christian living here, is a foretaste of the glory that is to come when Jesus returns:

Borgman says:“If Jesus Christ, God’s greatest gift, is our by faith, then all lesser gifts in this life will grow strangely bright in the light of his glory and grace! Then in the life to come, all of His greatest gifts will be enjoyed with no more tears, no more pain, and no more death!”

Revelation 19:7–8 ESV

Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

Let all of our godly fear, jubilant joy, and hopeful living be a foretaste of that great day to come—the day of unspeakable joy and incomparable glory for those who are in Christ Jesus through faith and repentance. Persevere, saints! “He is gloomy, not because he has too much religion, but too little!” (Bridges). Let us walk in the Spirit, in the true religion of Christ Jesus, to the glory of God our Father.

(C) Fearful Joy and Living Hope produces Healthy Christian Living

Amen, let’s pray.

Discussion Questions:

(1) Why is the fear of God evidence of protection in the day of judgment?

(2) Why does Solomon commend joy in our toil, and humility in our lives?

(3) Why is there hope for the living? And why does death seal our eternal destiny?

(4) Why is enjoyment and hard work crucial to the good life under the sun?

(5) How do these verses change the way we should think about our Christian lives?