Reading the Word

Ecclesiastes 11:7–10 (ESV)
7 Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun.
8 So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity.
9 Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.
10 Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.

Understanding and Applying the Word

Life passes by quickly. When we are young, it may seem like there is much time and opportunity ahead, but we will soon come to the end of our days. Today’s reading reminds us of the reality that our lives will end. In light of this truth, we must enjoy our youth and the days we have been given. At the same time, we must live our days with the knowledge that we will stand before God who is the Judge of all.

The Bible tells us that we have all sinned and fallen short. When we speak of sin we speak of living in such a way that is contrary to God’s will. This may be the result of our words, our attitudes, our thoughts, our actions, or our inactions. This means we will all face God’s condemning judgment. However, we are also told that God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to pay the debt for our sins by going to the cross as a sacrifice. His resurrection proves that he was who he claimed to be and that his sacrifice was accepted by the Father. Whoever will repent of their sins and trust in what Christ has done for us, will be saved. Let us take the days we have been given to make sure we are prepared when our lives come to an end and we stand before the one true Judge.

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