There are so many encouraging verses in today’s reading. It’s like the preacher had so many nuggets of truth and blessing left to share, but he didn’t want his sermon to last forever. We could snatch just one of these gems and spend a whole reflection on it. Write down some of your favorites and work on memorizing them for just the perfect moment.
While we’re not sure who this preacher was, their clear intention was to support new believers. The wisdom for life that we find in this chapter covers so many bases. How we treat one another is of high importance. In our world today, people tend to be overly “me” focused. The counsel here suggests we should be more loving and involved in our relationships.
If you’ve ever heard these verses quoted, now you know where they come from. Did you have a favorite that really jumped off the page for you today? Maybe you’re facing a challenge, and one of these verses clarified or affirmed you. For those involved in prison ministry, in couples therapy, or in any church leadership role, there is refreshment here.
If you find yourself struggling financially, as many are around the world, verse 5 can come to the rescue. “Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’” Everywhere you look, it seems like someone is enticing you to buy something. Living on a fixed income as a missionary has really taught me to be budget-conscious and God-trusting. I have a plaque of God’s promise that I refer to often.
Verse 8 can be really comforting. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” This is especially true when facing adversity. The Jesus we met on the pages of Scripture was active in creation, and he continues to love us unconditionally today, even in the messiness of our lives. We’ve learned from the preacher how the shedding of Jesus’ blood was on purpose so that we could draw closer to Him and the Father.
With so many messages floating around the internet and other forms of media, verse 14 can be especially valuable. “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” I routinely shake my head, wondering how the world could be so dark and unloving. Clinging to the prospect of our future home is often the best way to stand strong against oppression.
The preacher gives us several different ways we can be involved in our communities, shining our lights in this dark world. We can praise God continually, do good to others, and obey our spiritual leaders. If we make these “tasks” a priority in our lives, we will be pleasing to God.
Finally, the preacher asks for prayer. His prayer could be a prayer we pray for all missionaries, all church leaders, and all believers everywhere. Don’t we all desire to be equipped to do God’s will? Don’t we all want to please God? If you’ve ever questioned your faith or your purpose, this prayer is perfect. May God’s grace be with you today and always!
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, thank you for how you worked through the preacher to bring such wisdom to your followers and me. I feel so encouraged for this new day in my faith journey. Help me to keep my eyes focused on you and trust all your promises are true. Protect me from the messages of the world that would tend to distract me from you and from doing your will. I want my life to be pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
