Read Ecclesiastes 12:8-14
What an image describing how wise words inspire us! Neither a cattle prod nor a nail-studded stick sound like a pleasant way to direct our path. Yet sometimes that’s just what we need – like a “kick in the pants!” Understanding right from wrong can often be an eye-opening experience.
Encountering the Teacher’s reflections throughout the book of Ecclesiastes has been helpful. I appreciate his conclusions and parting thoughts in this final passage. “Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.” If more people in this world knew what their “duty” was, families, neighborhoods, and even churches would be much happier. Don’t you agree?
Unfortunately, the ideal (Eden) God hoped for his children did not last very long. Humans have been disobeying God from the beginning. Have you ever wondered why we can’t seem to break that pattern of behavior? None of us is without sin. Some of us are just more bothered by our sinful tendency. We can be more obedient and devoted when we receive God’s love and forgiveness and stop focusing on “works.”
The Bible tells us over and over to fear and obey God. I suppose that’s because it’s a message we need to be reminded of often. The Teacher in all his wisdom was not alone in sharing this nugget of truth. When such a message repeats itself, we should take heed. Why is it then that people are more fearful of their own popularity or fitting in with the norms of society?
If we are desperately searching for the meaning of life or to determine our purpose, drawing nearer to God is the best place to start. Here are some other Biblical examples of fearing or having reverence for God.
Deuteronomy 31:12: “Call them all together—men, women, children, and the foreigners living in your towns—so they may hear this Book of Instruction and learn to fear the Lord your God and carefully obey all the terms of these instructions.”
Proverbs 16:6: “Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil.”
Exodus 20:20: “Don’t be afraid,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!”
2 Corinthians 7:1: “Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.”
Matthew 10:28: “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Deuteronomy 13:4: “Serve only the Lord your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him.”
Revelation 14:7: “Fear God,” he shouted. “Give glory to him. For the time has come when he will sit as judge. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all the springs of water.”
Do you think Solomon meant for his final line of this book to wake us up? “God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.” In my opinion, this is a true statement meant to strike some fear in us. Nothing we do, say, or even think is ever hidden from God. Are you living your life in a way that is pleasing to God?
Let’s pray. Father God, thank you for how you were working in the Teacher despite his being distracted by the false gods of his many wives. There is so much wisdom in your Word that all points toward loving you and fearing you. Help me to do a better job of acting in ways that show my reverence to you. Forgive me for when I get distracted and trust my own strength and ability rather than rely on you. Thank you for being there to love and support me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
