Introduction

In today's lesson, we learn that God is in control of the times and that we should stand in awe before Him. The writer of Ecclesiastes, also known as "Qoheleth" and "the Preacher," wanted to know how to live a meaningful life. He tried all kinds of ways to find meaning but ultimately concluded that everything in life is meaningless without God.

The Seasons of Life

The Preacher begins by stating that for everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1). He then goes on to illustrate this with a poem about the different times in life. There is a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build up, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace (Ecclesiastes 3:2-8).

Reflection on God's Work

The Preacher then reflects on the business that God has given us to be busy with (Ecclesiastes 3:10). He acknowledges that God has made everything beautiful in its time and has put eternity into our hearts. However, we cannot fully understand what God has done from the beginning to the end (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Therefore, the Preacher concludes that there is nothing better for us than to be joyful and do good as long as we live. We should enjoy God's gifts of food, drink, and work, for they are His gift to us (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13).

God's Sovereignty and Our Awe

The Preacher emphasizes that whatever God does endures forever and nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God is in control of all things, and His times make us aware of our helplessness and dependence on Him. We should stand in awe before Him (Ecclesiastes 3:14). The Preacher reiterates that what has already been will be again, and God seeks what has been driven away (Ecclesiastes 3:15). In other words, God is in control of all times.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we often forget about God and fail to stand in awe before Him because we cannot see Him. However, if we reflect on His greatness and our dependence on Him, we will be filled with awe. May each one of us strive to stand in awe before God and recognize His sovereignty over all things. Amen.

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