IN CONCLUSION

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. Ecclesiastes 12:13

 I’ve heard it many times: “Getting old isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.” Your hands tremble, “the watchmen of the house tremble” (v. 3). You walk bent over, “mighty men stoop” (v. 3). Your teeth fall out, “the grinding ones stand idle because they are few” (v. 3). You get cataracts, “those who look through windows grow dim” (v. 3). Others have difficulty understanding what you are trying to mumble, “the door on the street are shut as the grinding mill is low” (v. 4). You can’t sleep, “one will arise at the sound of the bird” (v. 4). I could keep going, but you get the picture.

Solomon writes this description because he had observed aging in others and most likely was experiencing it for himself. Aging has a way of sobering us to the brevity of life. So having considered everything, what is the only thing that Solomon concludes is important? It is being in a right relationship with God – fearing and obeying God. Nothing else matters. It doesn’t matter who you are, how much you have earned, or what you have accomplished. All that matters is your relationship with God. Does your life demonstrate a reverential fear of Him? Remember, “For God will bring every work to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.” (v. 14)

Philip Moeller