“Living in Light of Death” - Ecclesiastes 11:7-10
“Lord, teach us to number our days, so that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)
1. Rejoice fully each day, for each day is a gift of God (11:7-8a)
“So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; let him remember that the days of darkness [that is, looming death] will be many. All that comes is vanity [that is, fleeting] (Ecclesiastes 11:8)
“Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting (beautiful) is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil--this is the gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19)
“Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 11:7)
“Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad in all our days.” (Psalm 90:14)
2. Rejoice responsibly, for we will be judged (v.9)
“Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. (Ecclesiastes 11:9a)
Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joyfulness and gladness of heart, because of the abundance of all things, 48 therefore you shall serve your enemies whom the Lord will send against you, in hunger and thirst, in nakedness, and lacking everything. And he will put a yoke of iron on your neck until he has destroyed you. (Deut 28:47-48)
“I have spoken to you all these things that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11)
“Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.” (Ecclesiastes 11:9b)
3. Rejoice eternally, for Christ died and was judged for us to live in the fullness of joy (v.10)
“Remove vexation [anger/grief] from your heart, and put away pain [“evil”] from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity [fleeting].” (Ecclesiastes 11:10)
“For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.” (Romans 7:18-19)
“What we could not do, God has done by sending his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh, so that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (Rom 8:3-4)
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no long I who live but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Gal 2:20)
“For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain… My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your account—for the progress and joy in the faith.” (Phil 1:21, 25)
