Introduction
As the Preacher draws towards his closing, he turns his attention to his young listeners. Maybe much of what he has said has gone over their heads or was difficult for them to see its application. But, he wants to ensure they hear him at this point. Children, do I have your attention?
Read Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:8
Here’s another call to enjoy life, but it’s couched in the reality of aging and death.
How do we deal with growing old? Mid-life crisis? Anti-aging cream can only hide the process for so long. At some point, we have to face the music. Taking a realistic view of life teaches us to appreciate the Giver of life.
We could summarize all of Scripture as God helping his people to remember what he has done for them (Num. 15:39).
Experiencing true joy in life begins with remembering your Creator.
Enjoy Bright Days While You Are Young (11:7-10)
7-8 Enjoy the pleasant sunlight! Sun is good for you (not cruel). Rejoice all your life, but remember that many dark days exist.
Dorie’s earliest memories taking care of younger sister. Mom would hug Marie ignoring Dorie.
I was only six, but I knew deep pain. We often went to bed hungry. But the pain of an empty stomach was more bearable than the emotional hurt of rejection and hatred. I was never held, touched, or cuddled. I knew I was different, ugly, and a burden to my mother.1
For some of you, the sad reality is that dark days are what you remember most vividly. Don’t let the dark days of your past define how you live in the present!
9 Rejoice in your youth. Your heart should cheer you up, not bring despair. Do what you enjoy, but know that God will judge.
10 Get rid of anxiety and let go of pain. Not “get over it.” Too young for sadness.
Children, do you understand this? You are not too young or too naïve to hear this.
But, maybe even more important than the instruction, is ensuring that you feel free to be young here? Side Note: Shushing children is a good problem to have!
Enjoying life requires…
Remember Your Creator As You Age (12:1-4)
Who made you? God. Not only the first children’s catechism question, but a concept to remember throughout life.
1-2 While you are young and haven’t experienced the adversity and darkness of the aging process.
3-4 A metaphor for aging, bodily decay: Guardians = hands (tremble). Strong men = legs (bend). Grinding = teeth (few). Windows = Eyes (dim). When people remain indoors, hearing fades, and sleep is fitful.
This is poetry. It’s meant to move you with its use of language. Use your imagination and think about the effects of growing old. Aging tends to decrease your appreciation of life. You will not be able to do then, what you can do now.
But when you remember your Creator in your youth, you learn to enjoy life more. Instead of looking back with regret, you will rest in the promise of Isaiah 46:3-4.
So continue to enjoy life by remembering your Creator. Remember God while…
- your minds are young
- your memories are strong
- your skin is soft and unblemished
- your regrets are few
- your talents are raw
- your dreams are big
If you can remember your Creator now, when you are older, your decaying body will remind you of the years of strain and toil that the Lord has brought you through.
An aspect of remembering involves looking forward…
Prepare For Death While You Can (12:5-8)
Still metaphorical language, but topic > death.
5 Death brings corruption and mourning. Fear of heights increase, hair turns white, walking becomes awkward, and aphrodisiacs fail.
6 Broken (3x) lamp/well = Death
7 Death returns a body to the earth and a spirit to God. Finally, life after death is alluded to, but the details are left vague.
8 Final occurrence of “It’s all vanity!” (Inclusio 1:2)
Greidanus The English pastor/poet John Donne (1572–1631) bought a coffin and placed it in his bedroom. Occasionally he would sleep in his coffin “as a reminder of his mortality and of the life of sin he had renounced.”
Although Donne’s approach was a bit morbid and eccentric, the principle is a valuable one. It is important that you face the reality of your death. Your life will not last forever. In fact, it’s quite short.
Preparing for death is really about proper living in the moment. May the shortness of life spur you into action. Use your energy for the glory of God! Death is no loss at all when you know you’ve lived it to the fullest.
We should also keep in mind God’s perspective on death: Psalm 116:15. God loves to bring his children home in his perfect timing.
Experiencing true joy in life begins with remembering your Creator.
Conclusion
- Enjoy Bright Days While You Are Young (7-10)
- Remember Your Creator As You Age (1-4)
- Prepare For Death While You Can (5-8)
Ryken Your Creator remembers you, even if you do not always remember him. The security of our salvation does not depend on our remembrance of God but on his promise to remember us.
The Resurrection of our Lord ensures the truth of this promise, as Jesus himself taught us in John 6:39-40.
Children, please hear this: Look to the Son and believe in him! And begin rejoicing with anticipation for the day of his return!