today's meditation (Ec.12) Having the Key

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Ecclesiastes 12:1-14)

Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years approach when you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; 2 before the sun and the light, the moon and the stars are darkened, and clouds return after the rain; 3 on the day that the watchmen of the house tremble, and strong men are bent over, the grinders stop working because they are few, and those who look through windows grow dim; 4 and the doors on the street are shut as the sound of the grinding mill is low, and one will arise at the sound of the bird, and all the daughters of song will sing softly. 5 Furthermore, people are afraid of a high place and of terrors on the road; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and the caper berry is ineffective. For man goes to his eternal home while the mourners move around in the street. 6 Remember your Creator before the silver cord is broken and the golden bowl is crushed, the pitcher by the spring is shattered and the wheel at the cistern is crushed; 7 then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it. 8 “Futility of futilities,” says the Preacher, “all is futility!”

9 In addition to being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, searched out, and arranged many proverbs. 10 The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly.

11 The words of the wise are like goads, and masters of these collections are like driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. 12 But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive study is wearying to the body.

13 The conclusion, when everything has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. 14 For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

What a way to end this book!!!  This chapter is in part prophetic.  Before the Tribulation happens, Solomon reminds the Israelites to seek God.  And for us right now, before tests, trials and temptations happen, we should be seeking God continuously for His help, strength and wisdom.  First of all, His salvation guarantees us eternal life in heaven.  And secondly, if the Tribulation should begin in our lifetime, we will be raptured (the Greek word for "caught up") to be with Him in heaven to avoid His wrath and judgements here on the earth.  (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 2 Thessalonians 2)

Meanwhile, going to God before issues arise is most beneficial.  Understand that as verse 11 says, everything written in the Bible are God's words, and they are there for everyone!  And as we have our daily devotions to see what He wants us to hear for the day, and as we talk to Him continuously in prayer, even though there will still be struggles  ...we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  (Romans 8:28)

At some point, everyone will have to face the Lord Jesus Christ as their Judge.  If one has decided to reject Jesus, then they will be judged according to all the sins they have committed.  If one has decided to accept Jesus as their personal Savior, because all their sins have been forgiven, they will be judged according to their good deeds.  The key to everything is to fear God and strive to live in obedience, which is only found through His salvation.