Text: Ecclesiastes 11:1-10
Theme: My Way or God’s Way
Annual Theme: I am the way, the truth, and the Life, Monthly theme: Leader of the Unknown ways Unfamiliar Paths.
The Book of Ecclesiastes is known as Drama Book, a drama of all, the book of Vanities, telling all that everything is vain on earth. No time period or writer’s name is mentioned in the book, but several passages suggest that King Solomon may be the author (Ecclesiastes 1:1,12,16; 2:4–9; 7:26–29; 12:9; 1 Kings 2:9; 3:12; 4:29–34; 5:12; 10:1–8). Qoheleth occurs seven times in the book of Ecclesiastes (Eccl 1:1-2, 12; Eccl 7:27; Eccl 12:8-10). Ekklesiastou is the Greek word used in the LXX which we find translated as “Teacher.”
It talks about two normal powers one is Political and another one is Economical (Ecclesiastes 10:20). Live boldly connected with wisdom intelligence and diligence to cope up with uncertainties. There are two great dangers connected to the making of money. The one is to become consumed with work and the quest for wealth (Ecclesiastes 4:6-8; Ecclesiastes 5:10; Ecclesiastes 6:7-9), and the other one is to fall into poverty through laziness or misfortune (Ecclesiastes 4:5; Ecclesiastes 5:13-14; Ecclesiastes 6:2; Ecclesiastes 10:18).” So, guard against both (The New American Commentary ref:ucg.org).
1. Ways of the waves – (Ecclesiastes 11:1-4)
According to Spurgeon, this particular concept comes from the allusion to the Egyptians Life. Egyptians used to cast their seeds into the Nile when it overflowed its banks. When the waters subsided, the corn would grow, and be gathered in “after many days.” (ref: studylight.org). Cast thy bread upon waters means benevolence should be practiced without either any desire or expectation of ever getting it back (Coffman Commentary). Sir John Chardin observes that Solomon probably alludes to the manner of planting rice in the eastern countries, “They sow it upon the water; and, before sowing, while the earth is covered with water, they cause the ground to be trodden by oxen, horses, and asses, which go mid-leg deep; and this is the way of preparing the ground for sowing. And, as they sow the rice in the water, they transplant it in the water.”(Benson Commentary).
It refers to giving life. There are ways we can give to the right people at the right time. Give with generosity and liberality. The preacher talks about the cause and effect in verses 3-4. Unknown ways are always lead to faith ventures. Give freely, to many, that too to Poor and needy.
Give to Poor Psalm 112:9, Give and it shall be given unto you, Give to everyone asks of you, the measurable and immeasurable, calculated and freely given are the reasons for the blessings (Luke 6:38). Sow your seed by every stream (Isaiah 32:20). Blessed is the one who considers the Poor (Psalm 41:1).
Barnes Notes: Show hospitality, even though the corresponding return of hospitality to you may seem improbable. Nevertheless, be hospitable in faith (Luke 14:13-14; Hebrews 13:2).
Winds and clouds of tribulation are, in God's hands, designed to try us. God's work shall agree with his word, whether we see it or not. And we may well trust God to provide for us, without our anxious, disquieting cares (Matthew Henry). Be not weary in well-doing, for in the due season, in God's time, you shall reap (Galatians 6:9). It is our business to sow the good seed of the kingdom, to sow it broadcast, to sow it at all times. "sow bountifully" shall also reap "bountifully" (2 Corinthians 9:6).
2. Ways of the Wind – (Ecclesiastes 11:5)
These are speaking of some of the mysteries of God. The spirit is like the wind. The wind blows, and we enjoy the freshness of the air, but we cannot see it, or describe it. The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit (John 3:8).
There are great mysteries that we can never comprehend. The bones in the mother's womb is another mystery that truly only God knows. God is the Creator of life. Every time a baby is born, we know that God has not given up on mankind. God alone knows how the soul comes into the body, how the body is fashioned, how sinners are regenerated, how the Spirit of God works upon the mind of man and transforms the sinner into a saint (ref: studylight.org).
We simply cannot understand all of God’s plans. The wise person is industrious and productive all the time, not waiting around to figure out what the future will bring (ref: toughquestionsanswered.org).
The workings of God's providence are not subject to human understanding; and the future, even for ourselves, is unpredictable (Coffman Commentary).
So, just keep working. Work hard. Be diligent. Work in the morning – that might bring some success. Work in the evening. Maybe that will be successful.
Just be wise and engage in business and diversify your investments to try to minimize risk. But know that ultimately you can’t avoid all possible risks and you can’t reap all potential rewards (Ref:explainingthebook.com).
3. Ways of the Young Mind -(Ecclesiastes 11:6-10)
Young people always think differently from older people. They think of changes in actions and movements. Young people use more social media such as Hashtags, Twitter, FB and WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, tik talk, and so on. The ‘Think out of Box’ and do differently. They create trends.
They use videos, campaigns, or pictures and make them viral. By finding a way to make a difference uniquely, you can find ways to reach entirely new audiences. Normally a big reason behind this is because it’s something not many people will have seen before, which makes it ‘shareable’.
In verse 9, Solomon says Be happy…Be ready for Judgment. That means, Enjoy life but do not commit iniquity. The balance that is called for insures that enjoyment is not reckless, sinful abandonment. Pleasure is experienced in faith and obedience, for as Solomon has said repeatedly, one can only receive true satisfaction as a gift from God (Ref:bible-studys.org).
So Paul says to flee from youthful lusts (2 Timothy 2:22), then he further exhorts to put away the childish behaviors (1 Corinthians 13:11).
The happiness, joy, and rejoicing which are admonished here are envisioned as taking place, even in the contemplation of death itself, and in the full consciousness of the Eternal Judgment to come (Ecclesiastes 11:9). Joy is impossible apart from the rational and enlightened knowledge and considerations of those future realities. "The rejoicing admonished here is made possible only by a true regard for the future"(Coffman Commentary).
So, consider your mortality and respond wisely in light of your imminent death and judgment. Days of darkness are coming. Avoid self-indulgencies, follow not your own eyes, ears, legs, and hands. Follow the footsteps of Christ (1 Peter 2:21). Jesus told his followers: ‘deny yourself and follow me taking your cross daily’ (Matthew 16:24) because he is the way the truth and the life (John 14:6).
So, give your ways to the ways of the Lord. Completely depend upon God. It’s a long road to travel. So we need the ideas, counsel, grace, and plan for an enjoyable life on the earth. We must take advantage of the days of our youth while it is still possible. As Prophet Joel prophesized let the young man see visions, let virgins see the dreams of God (Joel 2:28).
