Scripture: Ecc 11:1-10

1 Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. 2 Give portions to seven, yes to eight, for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land. 3 If clouds are full of water, they pour rain upon the earth. Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where it falls, there will it lie. 4 Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap. 5 As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. 6 Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well. 7 Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun. 8 However many years a man may live, let him enjoy them all. But let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. Everything to come is meaningless. 9 Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment. 10 So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigour are meaningless.

1. Step Out in Faith

A. Cast Your Bread Upon the Waters (v.1)

• The Action: Cast (shalach)
• The Asset: YOUR Bread
• The Area: Upon the Waters
• The Assurance: After Many Days You will Find It Again

B. Give Portions to Others & Reasons for Giving (vv.2-4)

"give portions to seven, yes to eight" (v.2)

“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.” (Pro 6:16-18)

“Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up: a servant who becomes king, a fool who is full of food, an unloved woman who is married, and a maidservant who displaces her mistress” (Pro 30:21-23)

• The Recipients: All in Need

He who is kind (gives) to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done. (Pro 19:7)

He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses. (Pro 28:27)

• The Reason: You Don't Know When You'll Be In Need

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Luke 6:38)

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So, let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things. (2 Cor 9:6-7)

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2. Keep Faith with God (vv.5-6)

A. Trust God, the Maker of All Things

B. Thrust Yourself into God's Work

Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well. (Ecc 11:6)

When I am afraid, I will trust in You. (Psa 56:3)

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You. (Psa 9:9-10)

Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble. The Lord will protect him and preserve his life; He will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness. (Psa 41:1-3)

But I will sing of Your strength, in the morning I will sing of Your love; for You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to You; You, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. (Psa 59:16-17)

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3. Enjoy Life of Faith (vv.7-10)

14 I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful; I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be. (Psa 139:14-16)

A. Enjoy Your LIfe as a Youth (vv.9-10; 12:1)

9 Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment. 10 So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigour are meaningless. (Ecc 11:9-10)

• The Invitation (v.9a)
• The Injunction (vv.9b-12:1)

B. Enjoy Your Life as an Adult (vv.7-8)

7 Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun. 8 However many years a man may live, let him enjoy them ALL. BUT let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. Everything to come is meaningless. (Ecc 11:7-8)

• Regale in the Light
• Remember the Darkness

It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment. (Heb 9:27)

“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher. “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” (Ecc 1:2)

13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ecc 12:13-14)

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Challenge

• Step out in faith to cast your bread on the waters and give portions to many needy within your means.
• Keep faith with God and live in expectancy that God will always reward you when you follow His ways.
• Enjoy the life of faith on earth by preparing for eternity.