Ecclesiastes: Pilgrims in Exile “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man.” (Ecc 12:13)

Part 12 – The Preacher’s Climactic Conclusion (Ecc 12:9-14)

Hevel – Creation subject to futility because of Sin (Rom 8:20)

Outline of Ecclesiastes David A. Dorsey (modified) Poem about the insignificance of life; the vanity of wisdom. (1:1-18) B. Wisdom v. folly; failure to enjoy life apart from God. (2:1 – 2:26) Poem about time; God’s sovereignty. (3:1-15) D. Center: Fear God; enjoy life as God’s gift. (3:16 – 6:12) C’. Poem about time revisited; God’s sovereignty. (7:1-14) B’. Wisdom v. Folly revisited; how to enjoy life. (7:15-10:19) A’. Poem about life’s brevity revisited; the value of wisdom. (10:20-12:8) Conclusion: Fear God and obey His commandments, for He will judge. (12:9-14)

The Gospel According to Ecclesiastes “God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes” (7:29) “Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know it will be well with those who fear God” (8:12). “But it will not be well with the wicked…because he does not fear before God” (8:13). “Let your garments be always white” (9:8). Washed in the blood of the Passover Lamb (Ex 12:22; Rev 7:14). Therefore – “Fear God and keep His commandments” (12:13). Commandments included atonement sacrifices, repentance. Covenant Law was guardian that pointed to Jesus Christ (Gal 3:24). One Day – all we do will be judged (Ecc 12:14).

Goad: to prod, to stimulate, to inspire A sharp pointed stick and hook for driving livestock.

Ezekiel 34:23 And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd.” Ezekiel 37:24 “My servant David shall be king over them, and they shall all have one shepherd. They shall walk in my rules and be careful to obey my statutes.” John 10:16 “And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.”

Isaiah 33:5-6 5 The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high;     he will fill Zion with his justice and righteousness. 6 He will be the sure foundation for your times,     a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;     the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.

Deuteronomy 30:20 “that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”

Similar NT Exhortations Words of Christ: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Mt:10:28). “If you love me, keep my commands” (Jn 14:15).

“The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep….” (Jn 10:11)

“strangers and exiles on earth…. seeking a homeland… “strangers and exiles on earth….seeking a homeland…. a heavenly one” (Heb 11:13-16)

Pilgrims in Exile “conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile.” (1 Pe 1:17) Lord Self or Lord God? Is God asking too much of me? God, as the author of all things, has a right to govern and dispose of them at his pleasure. Will I live for Him and His glory? Or will I fight for my “happiness” and “freedom”? Will I flail away in the river of grace, or die to self and swim with the current of my Lord? A communion life will help us know and do His will. But it’s the communion itself that God desires above all else. The Holy Spirit is not just the means to helping us be effective. The Father, Son and Spirit, our One Triune God, is the “end” in and of Himself. Almighty God doesn’t need our help to achieve His purposes. When we are blessed to see good fruit, what credit can we take? But it’s such an honor that He has chosen to use us as vessels of His grace. God wants me to grasp for holiness and a sold-out life, even though He knows I will fall short. Whatever feeble effort I offer, He can use it for His glory. Even if its only a few loaves and fishes, He can multiply it. So, will I try? Will I humbly submit? Will I ask? Will I be resolved? Will I follow in the footsteps of the One who gave so much as a living and dying sacrifice. When God raised Jesus Christ to life, He rendered the judgment that this offering was sufficient and good. What will He say about my offering? And what will He say about yours? Kelly Minter.