No 8

(Ecclesiastes 3: 1 to 8)

1 “ To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break 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 cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace”

These words were undoubtedly written by Solomon as he examined the Lord’s sovereign design and concluded that all the events of life are divinely appointed. God appoints seasons and times because earthly pursuits are acceptable in their proper perspective but are unprofitable when they are pursued as the chief goal in life. All through this book, we often read the words “vanity of vanities; all is vanity” Although Solomon had been given much wisdom by God at the beginning of his reign (1 Kings 4:29), during his life he chose to indulge in many sinful habits. It is safe to say that this book was written towards the end of his life and that his involvement in earthly matters had left him bitter and discontent. This passage was written many thousands of years ago but it is still very timely for our lives to day.

God gives us the liberty of choosing what path to take; Solomon had that same choice. The book of Ecclesiastes ends with a word of advice from Solomon “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” (Eccl 12:13)