Joy in Service (Ecclesiastes 11-12)

JOY EVERLASTING

Because Christ will return to grant you the fullness of His salvation, you can face each new day in joy. Like a child who joyfully counts down the days to Christmas, we joyfully count each day as one step closer to the fullness of our salvation in Christ. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.

We do not live in a vacuum, nor do we experience joy as a purely abstract concept, God created us to work, serving Him throughout our lives, (see Geneses 2:15). God warns His people about failing to serve Him gladly and willingly (Deuteronomy 28:47), yet the experiences of our lives often make it difficult to serve the Lord joyfully. How often we struggle to find the joy in our service when the responsibilities pile up and complaints come in! Read Ecclesiastes 11-12 and answer the following:

·         How does the author describe life in Ecclesiastes 11:1-6?

·         Read Ecclesiastes 11:7-10. What are the advantages and the dangers of youth?

·         Read Ecclesiastes 12:1-8. What are the burdens and disadvantages of age?

·         According to Ecclesiastes 12:9-14, what is the key to meaning in life?

As we will see more clearly in the New Testament, joy looks forward with great expectation and eagerness to the glorious arrival of the Messiah, while remaining firmly anchored in the Lord’s gracious work and clear promises in the past.