Love in Every Season

Introduction

Good morning! I’m honored to be opening God’s word with you today. We’ll be reading from these three main passages today (Ecc 3, John 3:1-21, 1 Cor 12-13), and any one of them is deserving of much more study than we will accomplish today, but by reading them all together, my prayer is that we can see how they converge on some central themes, with the ultimate exhortation being that we might find true and lasting fulfillment in life through a right relationship with God.

If we are to do so, we must embrace God’s designs, find new life in Christ, and lean into each other’s strengths while covering for each other’s weaknesses. Lord willing, each of those points will be well made, in the words of scripture, by the time we finish reading these passages.

Ecclesiastes 3 talks about life’s seasons, revealing God’s sovereignty and purpose in every moment. John 3 introduces the idea of spiritual rebirth through God’s Spirit, offering eternal life and aligning us with His divine plan. Together, they show how earthly time intertwines with God’s eternal purposes.

1 Corinthians 12-13 deepens this connection by illustrating the Spirit’s role in equipping believers with diverse gifts, meant to serve within God’s timing and purpose. It culminates in chapter 13, where love, the greatest gift, binds all seasons and actions. These passages teach that life, transformation, and service find meaning when rooted in God’s love and eternal plan.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts and minds, ready to receive Your word. We ask for Your guidance and wisdom as we consider these passages. Help us to understand the truth and apply it to our daily lives. May Your Spirit illuminate your word to our eyes, and draw us closer to You. We thank You for the gift of scripture, through which we seek to grow in faith, in hope, and, most of all, in love.

Ecclesiastes 3

He has made everything beautiful in its time...

Beginning now with some wisdom literature (I often like to read from the book of Proverbs), today I’m going to start in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 3.

This is a famous passage of scripture, known for its opening line: "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." I say Ecclesiastes is a wisdom book, but it can at times be also very poetic, in this case offering an almost lyrical reflection on the nature of life and the passage of time; the seasons and rhythms of life under God’s sovereignty. It’s a reminder that God has ordained these seasons, and while we may not see the full picture at any one given time, we are called to find contentment and joy in the present moment, trusting that God's timing is perfect.

Here are some key themes to listen for in this passage, and to keep track of the big picture:

First of all, again, we see the sovereignty of God on display, or being described, as God is in control of time and all events. God is the one ordaining, appointing, orchestrating these seasons of life.

On the other hand, Ecclesiastes as a whole lays bare the frailty of the human condition, acknowledging our limitations. We cannot fully understand God's plan or control all aspects of our lives, and that’s OK!

This chapter, in particular, reminds us of the unpredictable fullness and variety of life, which is a blessing and challenging! Life is varied and changes; we each experience a series of seasons, with each having its appointed time.

And we are reminded to appreciate the present moment. Despite life's uncertainties, we are often blessed to find joy and contentment in the present moment, especially when we work faithfully and with integrity.

Ecclesiastes 3:1–10 LSB

1 There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every matter under heaven— 2 A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. 3 A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up. 4 A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance. 5 A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing. 6 A time to search and a time to lose; A time to keep and a time to throw away. 7 A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak. 8 A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace. 9 What advantage is there to the worker from that in which he labors? 10 I have seen the endeavor which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves.

Ecclesiastes 3:11–22 NLT

11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. 12 So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. 13 And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God. 14 And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God’s purpose is that people should fear him. 15 What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again. 16 I also noticed that under the sun there is evil in the courtroom. Yes, even the courts of law are corrupt! 17 I said to myself, “In due season God will judge everyone, both good and bad, for all their deeds.” 18 I also thought about the human condition—how God proves to people that they are like animals. 19 For people and animals share the same fate—both breathe and both must die. So people have no real advantage over the animals. How meaningless! 20 Both go to the same place—they came from dust and they return to dust. 21 For who can prove that the human spirit goes up and the spirit of animals goes down into the earth? 22 So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is our lot in life. And no one can bring us back to see what happens after we die.

Qohelet, the gatherer, the preacher of Ecclesiastes emphasizes the human experience of life’s natural rhythms and seasons, as someone afforded great privilege, affirming that every activity, experience, and emotion has its proper time. He reminds us that while our lives are often beyond our own control or understanding, God's providence brings meaning and beauty to all things, even when we cannot fully grasp His purposes. Let us be encouraged to embrace humility and trust in God's design for the seasons of our lives.

One of my favorite practical verses of wisdom comes from later in Ecclesiastes, chapter 9:

Ecclesiastes 9:10 LSB

10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no working or explaining or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going.

John 3:1-21

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Let’s turn now to John chapter 3, where we find the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee. While still a heady conversation, this gets a little bit more personal than Ecclesiastes, and Jesus offers a perspective which sheds a hopeful light on the wisdom of Ecclesiastes.

Jesus speaks of being "born again" or "born from above," introducing the concept of spiritual rebirth through faith. Verse 16 very effectively and famously encapsulates this hope: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Let’s read, beginning in verse 1:

John 3:1–21 LSB

1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; 2 this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 “That which has been born of the flesh is flesh, and that which has been born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 “Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear its sound, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who has been born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things? 11 “Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and bear witness of what we have seen, and you do not accept our witness. 12 “If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 “And no one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; 15 so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. 16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 “And this is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. 20 “For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light lest his deeds be exposed. 21 “But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been done by God.”

This assurance of eternal life provides a sense of lasting purpose and hope for the future, which is in fact already being realized by the church today. This message contrasts somewhat with the observations of Ecclesiastes, bringing a personally transformative dimension to the divine relationship with humanity. It reassures us that we are cherished and valued by God.

1 Corinthians 12-13

Shifting focus now from the individual to the community, as we turn to 1 Corinthians 12, we’ll still see the theme of God’s sovereignty at work, as we move from the broad, universal rhythms of life to the specific, active role of individuals within the community of believers. We’ll read how Paul describes every member having a distinct role, like the parts of a body working together in harmony according to God's plan.

Just as Ecclesiastes 3 shows there is a time and place for everything, Paul here reminds us that each person has a specific purpose in God's design.

1 Corinthians 12–13 LSB

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. 2 You know that when you were pagans, you were being led astray to the mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6 And there are varieties of workings, but the same God who works everything in everyone. 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for what is profitable. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9 to someone else faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 and to another the workings of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to someone else various kinds of tongues, and to another the translation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. 12 For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For also by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For also the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But now God has appointed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now there are many members, but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, how much more is it that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary, 23 and those members of the body which we think as less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, 24 whereas our more presentable members have no such need. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, 25 so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all translate? 31 But you earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I will yet show you a more excellent way. CHAPTER 13 1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind, is not jealous, does not brag, is not puffed up; 5 it does not act unbecomingly, does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered; 6 it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 it bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails, but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child. When I became a man, I did away with childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. 13 But now abide faith, hope, love—these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Just as there are seasons for every purpose under heaven, there are times for each member of the body to exercise their spiritual gifts. Let us embrace each other, to serve with humility and love, recognizing that each contribution, however small, is significant in the grand scheme of God's plan.

True fulfillment isn't found solely in worldly success or personal achievement, but in having a right relationship with God. This relationship, characterized by humility, love, and a willingness to serve, allows us to experience the joy and peace that surpasses all understanding, and yet permeates every changing season of life.

As we embrace God’s ordained seasons of life, he brings us out of death, into new birth in Christ. Let us continue, as we were so born to do, serving others with our unique gifts, and enjoy the abundant life (John 10:10) that God intends for us.

Conclusion

Now, I need to share from a personal perspective for a few moments. To the point, this is my last sermon for a while. I have been led, through much prayer and consultation, to conclude that it is in everyone’s best interest for me to resign from the position and responsibilities of eldership during this season of my life.

Why?

As with any major decision, there are a wide variety of factors involved, but that which I would cite as most prevailing is also the most beautiful. That is, of my growing family and the importance of my being present and involved in their lives. Particularly in light of the clarity afforded by the blessing of a third child, we have come to the conclusion that I need to focus more of my energy at home, at least for this season of our lives.

Meanwhile, the church deserves elders who can devote more time and energy than I can afford to give right now.

1 Timothy 3:5 LSB

5 (but if a man does not know how to lead his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),

To be perfectly honest, when I think about it from that perspective, it feels like a selfish decision. Like I’m letting the church down. Like I should just try harder; give more! It feels like failure; like giving up. And in many ways this will be introducing new challenges for us as we adjust to the changes this brings. So, it has been a difficult, and scary decision to make. Almost as scary as the decision to become an elder in the first place!

In reality, I have really, truly and thoroughly enjoyed serving in this position, and I can’t let myself view leaving it as a selfish decision. In fact, I’m giving up doing something I really enjoy for the sake of my wife and children, who I also really enjoy, and who God says must be my priority as a husband and a father. In this sense, I know that I’m doing the right thing, and setting a good example, by having healthy priorities, and putting my family first.

So, of course it makes me sad to say “this is my last sermon for a while” because it means I’m leaving behind something I love. But I am blessed to say it is not for sad reasons. It is not for lack of willingness or desire or health, nor for the presence of any terrible conflict or division or scandal, but for simply acknowledging my limitations, and that I am overwhelmed with an abundance of blessings.

And I say “for a while” because I told Mike I would remain open to filling in from time to time in the future, so I can’t promise that you won’t hear me preaching here again.

What’s next?

Mike will continue on as the senior elder, and my family will continue our fellowship here as members of the church. We deeply value our relationships here, and pray those connections will continue to grow. However, I won’t be helping with any of the preaching, or administrative work, or oversight. Whatever I have been doing will fall on Mike to do or delegate. Although I’d say he’s already been shouldering more than his fair share, he’s going to have even more work to cover. So, I would encourage us (the church) to continue to seek other elders to serve alongside him.

As we reflect on the intricate tapestry of life—interwoven with seasons of change and bound by the enduring thread of love—it is in these moments of transition that we find both challenge and opportunity. I ask, then, for your grace and patience with me, and Mike, and the deacons, and that we move forward in prayer and support of each other.

Pray

Let’s pray.

Gracious Lord God, I pray now that you would help us learn to embrace each season of life with grace, to find contentment in the present moment, and to trust in your perfect timing, even when we cannot fully understand your plan. Help us to trust in you, that we would lean not on our own understanding, but in all our ways acknowledge you, so that you may direct our paths.

We thank you, Lord, for the diversity of your gifts and the unity of your Spirit. As members of your body, help us acknowledge the ways in which we are interconnected, each with unique talents and roles to play. Grant us the humility to recognize our dependence upon one another, the grace to serve one another with love, and the courage to use our gifts for the building up of your kingdom.

And Lord, we are grateful to you for life today, for real, true, eternal life, and for the transformative work in our lives that only you can accomplish. We confess our need for your forgiveness, and your grace. We believe in Jesus Christ, your Son, who died for us and rose again, offering us eternal life.

Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us, that we may be renewed in mind and spirit, filled with your love and empowered to live lives of purpose and significance.

And Lord, may your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Dismiss.