That’s the whole story. Here now is my conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. – Ecclesiastes 12:13
A spirit of hopeless despair is the predominant theme of this book. | WATCH ON YOUTUBE
The book of Ecclesiastes is an unusual and difficult book in the Bible. The words of the Preacher show us the futility and foolishness of a life lived without an eternal perspective.
Ecclesiastes does not question the existence of God. The author is no atheist. God is always there in the picture. The question, however, is whether God matters or not. The answer to that question is vitally connected to a responsibility to God that goes beyond this earthly life.
In the search for this answer, the Preacher thoroughly examined the emptiness and futility of a life lived without the perspective of eternity. And then finally comes to the conclusion of the necessity of eternity.
And so, after writing much of the book about the futility of life if not for a perspective of eternity, the Preacher comes to the conclusion of the whole matter. Man is to fear God and keep His commandments and that is his ultimate responsibility. Obedience to God pleases God. Obedience to God also fulfills man’s destiny.
There sure is a day of reckoning, a day when each of us will indeed need to give account. The Preacher warns us that God will call into account every person and every work, including every secret thing, whether good or bad (v14). And so, living with a perspective of eternity brings purpose to life.
How does knowing that you will be called to give account impact what you do and think daily?
Lord, help me live each day ever aware that I am accountable to you, I pray.
Extended Reading — Ecclesiastes 7-12
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