HAVING FUN UNDER THE SUN EVEN IN DEATH
Remember Him before the silver cord is snapped and the golden bowl is crushed, the pitcher by the spring is broken and the wheel at the cistern is crushed; then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:6-7
In Ecclesiastes 11-12, Solomon now concludes the book and focuses on having fun under the sun by submission to God and His word. In chapters 1-2, Solomon sought for fun under the sun apart from God and couldn't find it. There is no real fun in the world apart from God. Then, in chapters 3-5, Solomon sought for fun with God under the sun and found it. There is fun under the sun in the will of God. In chapters 6-8, Solomon studied fun under the sun and learned that there is fun under the sun in the ways of God. The conclusion we have seen in chapters 9-12 is that fun under the sun is ultimately in the word of God. That’s why verse 13 reads, “The end of the matter, all that has been heard: fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the end of the matter for all mankind.” God’s words prod us and give us truth to hang our thoughts on (v. 11).
Happiness is not found in increased knowledge (1:12), but in enjoying the job that God gave you (2:24). Happiness is found in doing everything in God’s time (3:1) and living in the light of eternity (3:11), enjoying life a day at a time (3:22). Happiness is a little shared with someone, not a lot with no one (4:8-9); keeping your promises (5:1-4); sharing, not hoarding (5:13); not having everything to live with and nothing to live for. Happiness is enjoying the fruits of your labor (5:18f); car, home, etc. Happiness is receiving power from God to enjoy life (6:1-2), in view of death (7:1-2). Enjoy life in view of the sovereign will of God (7:13-14). Recognize that your life is in the hand of God (9:1) and living for God while you are young (sharing, serving, submitting) is the best way to have fun under the sun. A summary of Ecclesiastes is: In view of the futility of life, and the inevitability of death, true happiness is only found in enjoying life’s totality in view of eternity under the Son. Is this how you see your life?
Ike Graham