The rhythms of Ecclesiastes’ verses about time have been spoken and sung by many. They speak of a seasons and times, and while our lives may seem captive to these, we also belong to the one who is the Lord of time itself. Because we belong to Christ, our everyday rhythms are only a small part of an eternal reality.
Worship this week with Holy Communion:
Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in Chapel
Sunday – 8:30 a.m. – Traditional worship
10:00 a.m. – Contemporary worship
Sunday evening – 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Sunday Night Live – music in Grundahl Park
For Everything There Is a Season
August 4, 2013
Ecclesiastes 2:18-3:8
Key Verse: “There is nothing better for mortals than to eat and drink, and find enjoyment in their toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God; for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? … For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 2:24-25, 3:1
Time: 3rd century B.C.
Background: Today’s reading acknowledges that life is filled with ups and downs, and nothing can be done to change this reality. Futility comes when humanity strives only to fill life with happiness and material possessions, because those can only be temporary. The expectation that life can always be positive will only lead to disappointment.
On the other hand, if people acknowledge and accept that life will also come with sadness, mourning, illness, and broken relationships, then they can come to accept their deep need for God. God has the power to bring healing and comfort in the midst of illness and grief. God’s presence can make these bearable. God can bring a deep joy that transcends despair.
Community: Where is God in the midst of the broken places in your community? How can you bring God’s presence to those who are in despair?
At Home: Where are the places of despair in your own life? Make a list of actions you can take this week that might bring you closer to God. Do one action this week. Where did you see God working, even in the midst of despair?
Read This Week:
Monday: Parable of a Rich Fool, Luke 12:16-21
Tuesday: Ambition and Desire, Ecclesiastes 6:1-12
Wednesday: A Sinful World, Ecclesiastes 7:1-29
Thursday: An Imperfect World, Ecclesiastes 8:1-17
Friday: An Uncertain Life, Ecclesiastes 10:1-20
Saturday: Charity, Ecclesiastes 11:1-10
Next Week: Spiritual Blessings, Ephesians 1:1-14
