Seize the Day while Remembering God
Intro: Well morning friends and all those watching online. My name is Matt Johnson and today in Ecclesiastes – Solomon finally begins to say Carpe Diem. SEIZE THE DAY! Just do so, A) by remembering God and B)staying within the boundaries of His word….
PRAYER: Well today – we start to get to the Carpe Diem part of Ecclesiastes. And as you can see – Ecclesiastes 11 is especially directed to young people. Eccles.11:9 says “you who are young be happy while your young.” Again in Eccles.12:1 Solomon says; Remember your Creator in the days of your youth. So listen up Gen Y and Gen Z. This is why I wanted to preach Ecclesiastes. I think Solomon has a message for young people who think life is “MEANINGLESS” and everything is “FUTILE”. Sadly, that is Gen Y and Gen z.
(Slide 2) McKinsey and Company – an international management firm – write; (ENTER); A series of consumer surveys and interviews conducted by us indicate stark differences among generations, with Gen Z reporting the least positive life outlook, including lower levels of emotional and social well-being than all previous generations. That’s sad. Why is this?
(Slide 3) In an article called “What can Gen Z do about Skyrocketing Anxiety” Dr Clay Drinko writes; I was bummed to read that over 60 percent of young adults now have an anxiety disorder. Even when compared to previous generations at similar ages, that’s a significant increase in anxiety rates.
(Slide 4) Anna Medaris (a registered psychologist) writes in “Gen Z and Younger Millenials are completely overwhelmed by stress” that she constantly has young clients who say; (ENTER) “Not knowing what your future is going to look like in a world where nobody knows what the collective future is going to look like is, to say the least, overwhelming…”
(Slide 5) Dr Liz Stillwagon (who is a professor in psychology) says in Gen Z’s worst nightmare (ENTER) Gen Z’ers seem particularly vulnerable to the pitfalls of life. Millennials thought they had it bad with steeper competition for post-college jobs and skyrocketing cost of lifestyle staples, like houses and cars, which Boomers took for granted… but Gen Z’ers seem like they’re suffering one, huge existential crisis, anxiously trying to hold on to reality with the fingernails of their being. The source of their anxiety? Life itself.
Now if you are a person – struggling with anxiety – please understand you are not alone. Nor are we judging you. Many people in Gen Y and Gen Z really seem to be struggling with anxiety. Some think this is because of social media or technology or rising costs of living or climate change etc etc… But I’d say Gen Y and Gen Z are also the first REAL GENERATION in the Western world to be raised without a fear of God and without a knowledge of His Word. I believe a big part of the problem is spiritual. Without God in your life, life becomes overwhelming and meaningless…
I think Solomon learnt this lesson the hard way. Ecclesiastes may not be so much a tribute to Solomon’s greatness, as a confession of his failure. He forgot God and life went to poo. So Solomon writes in Eccles.11:10 (Slide 6; Eccles.11:10-12:1). Its not that your youth is meaningless. Its that its short lived. Youth and vigour only lasts a little while – so embrace your youth and vigour – while remembering your Creator. Sadly, that’s what Solomon didn’t do. He forgot God. So today I want to consider Solomon’s life – and touch just a little on Ecclesiastes 11. I need to set the scene…
Point 1: Solomon was a Complete and Utter Failure Spiritually
Show: Deut.17:16-17 (READ)
Explain: These were GOD’S COMMANDS for a Jewish King. Now which of these commands did Solomon keep? (PAUSE) Zero. Zip. Nada. 1 Kings 2-11 which records Solomon’s life – makes it explicitly clear Solomon broke every one of these commands. He acquired many horses. He kept going back to Egypt for more horses. He had 700 wives. (I think that constitutes many). Solomon had so much silver – it was no longer considered valuable and every year he got for himself – 666 talents of gold. 666. That’s about 25 tons of gold p.a. But the designation of 666 – may be saying that the love of money – actually started to turn Solomon into some sort of antichrist.
Solomon is not a good guy. He disobeyed God’s word, his wives led him into idolatry and he kind of led Israel into apostasy. So was Solomon really wise or was he a fool?
LAST WEEK I made the RADICAL SUGGESTION that Ecclesiastes may be 1) a confession of Solomons failures, more than 2) a tribute to his greatness. Now when I said that – a number of people said to me after church – “I’ve never heard anyone make that suggestion about Ecclesiastes before. It gives me a completely different perspective on the book.” It certainly does. So I think I need to back up my thesis a little bit – before we push into the end of this book…
Part of the reason you have never heard anyone suggest this before – is that the GREAT MAJORITY of modern scholars – no longer believe Ecclesiastes was written by Solomon. Until the C19th every Jew and every Christian believed Ecclesiastes was written by Solomon. No debate. But modern scholarship (has become so wise in their own eyes) they no longer see a direct link between Ecclesiastes AND King Solomon. It’s just a book in the Bible with an unknown author. So it would never cross their mind that Ecclesiastes might be a confession of King Solomon. So lets think about this…
(Slide 8 – Proverbs 1:1; Eccles.1:1) Now many scholars immediately say – see PROVERBS is definitely Solomon, but ECCLESIASTES does not name Solomon (therefore it’s not from Solomon). But I’d say that is far from conclusive. Here are some facts.
- The word “TEACHER” in Ecclesiastes 1:1 is literally “QOHELET” in Hebrew. The root word “QOHEL” (ENTER) means assembly or church. The name ECCLESIASTES comes from the Greek word Ecclesia – which is the Hebrew equivalent of church or assembly. So Ecclesiastes (Qohel) is about an assembly of Gods people… SCHOLARS believe Qohelet (which is a noun) basically means one who stands before Gods assembled people. Now we generally think that is A POSITIVE standing before Gods people and we translate Qohelet – teacher or leader. But why do we assume this person – has a positive standing before God’s people. Why else might a person need to stand before Gods assembled people?
- Second, in the OT – the phrase “SON OF DAVID” always refers to a biological child of David. Now yes, in the New Testament Jesus is called a son of David. BUT in the Old Testament “son of David” always means a biological son. And the only biological son of David that became a King over Jerusalem was Solomon.
- Third in Ecclesiastes “the Qohelet” says (Slide 8; Eccles.1:16). A) Now which descendant of David is renowned for wisdom? That’s right – SOLOMON. B) And Jesus says in Matthew 12 and Luke 11 that the Queen of Sheba came from the ends of the earth to hear SOLOMON’s wisdom. Jesus goes on and says now that he has come – people should come from the ends of the earth to hear his wisdom. But this comparison makes no sense if there is someone in Israels history wiser than Solomon – who wrote Ecclesiastes. So those who question Solomons authorship of Ecclesiastes are questioning plain implications of Scripture.
- Fourth, (and this is significant) Solomon stood before the entire assembly, ekklesia OR qohel of God’s people – when he became King and promised to be faithful to God. Let me show you (Slide 8-9; 1Chr.28:8). This word charge – means to solemnly bind. So David is actually binding Solomon to ANSWER before God and Gods assembled people – if he does not keep this charge. If he fails to be obedient – he must stand as a qohelet before the qohel of Gods people – and explain why? Now did Solomon keep David’s charge? Did he keep Gods commands? (No!) Ecclesiastes may be a record of Solomons confession before the assembly of Gods people – as to why he failed and what he’s learnt…
- Fifth, the Old Testament does speak of such confessions taking place before the qohel of Gods people. In Leviticus 4 (and I’m quoting from the Holman translation) it says (Slide 11-12; Lev.4:12-13). Now at the very least – we have biblical warrant for confession of sin taking place before the entire qohel or ecclesia of Gods people – if the sin has led them all into error.
- Sixth, last week in Ecclesiastes 9:18 we saw Solomon make a kind of confession. (Slide 13; Eccles.9:17-18). Now I suggested that Solomon may have been looking in THE MIRROR – as he admitted to himself (and the assembly of Gods people) – that one sinner destroys much good. A kind of – I’m sorry. I wrecked everything. I mean that’s what Solomon did according to 1 Kings.
Last week I said the end of Ecclesiastes 10 – was like a return to basic wisdom principles. But I realised this week – that Ecclesiastes 10 – may be an extended confession. 5 times in 22 verses – Solomon refers to the ruler and the king. Is Solomon talking about Himself? Is he admitting he was the king of fools. Is he the angry king who wise people had to appease? Is he admitting he elevated fools to positions of power, while humbling the wise? Is he admitting he allowed the people to feast at the wrong times?
APPLY: However, we read Ecclesiastes (and whether my confession idea is correct) we can see A GREAT HUMBLING coming over Solomon – as we get to the end of this book. Solomon admits 1) his wisdom can’t beat death, 2) his wisdom can’t avoid time or chance AND 3) he admits he’s not half as wise as he thought. So where did Solomon go wrong?
Point 2: Solomon failed because He believed in God, but Disobeyed His Word
Show: 1Kngs3:7-9 (READ)
Explain: Now exactly HOW OLD Solomon was when he became king is slightly uncertain. But we have pretty accurate timetables of King David (Solomons dad) and pretty accurate dates of King Reheboam (Solomons son). From this we can work out Solomon was about 20 when he became king. And like many 20 year olds He felt daunted – by the task of life. Solomon speaks of himself as a little child who doesn’t know ho
I love young Solomon’s very honest, humble words. I DO NOT KNOW HOW! WHO IS ABLE TO DO THIS? He is feeling overwhelmed. Many Gen Z’rs feel the same way. I do not know how to provide for myself. I do not know how to be a husband or a wife. I do not know how to do life well? Of course, we’ve all been there. Solomon goes on – “who is able to govern this great people.” The task is too big. I can’t do it! WHO IS ABLE? Who is able to buy a house in Sydney these days? Who is able to stand as a young Christian against the secular, tide of meaninglessness? Who is able to solve all the problems that seem to be facing Gen Z and Gen Alpha. The task seems too impossible…
But that is the whole point of life under the sun. LIFE is meant to humble you. That’s Gods goal. The fact is – YOU CAN’T do LIFE in your own strength or your own wisdom. But if you humbly admit this and you take God by the hand you can do life with Gods help. Now in his younger years Solomon was humble and daunted enough by life – to ask God for help and God gave him the courage and wisdom for the task. But what about you? Are you anxious about life?
We know God wants to help us too – because of another, greater King named Jesus. (GOSPEL) IF YOU WANT TO KNOW if God is for you or against you in life – look at the cross. Yes, your sin and stupidity deserves Gods wrath and condemnation. (Satan is always telling you that). But God isn’t against you. God is for you. God loved you so much that He sent Jesus into this world to die in your place for your sins. HE DID THIS so that you could be forgiven. HE DID THIS – so that coming back into a relationship with Him you could find true life. So wake up to yourself. God is for you; He is not against you.
But can God really help you (with all your problems). Well this time – look at Jesus resurrection. If Jesus’ resurrection is real (and there is good evidence it is real) – God has power to help you. God has more power than the biggest problems you face – as your own king or queen on TikTok. And this is how Gods people do life – by knowing God is for them and by knowing God has power to help them. That’s how I face all the anxieties of life. NOW SOLOMON COULDN’T YET SEE Jesus’ death and resurrection. But thanks to the Exodus he had SOME GRASP – of God’s love and God’s power and God’s heart to help the Jews. So, as a Jew, He revered God, trusted in God’s love and power AND this gave him the courage to take the field of life. God is with me.
But as Solomon was walking on to the field of life – he failed to heed Gods first words to him. Straight after asking for wisdom – God said to Him – (Slide 17; 1Kngs3:14). Notice WALK IN OBEDIENCE to me and keep my decrees and commands – and I’ll give you a long life. But long life is not quite right. Its more like – “I’ll give you life to the full OR I’ll give you life in abundance” YOU SEE – THESE WORDS TO SOLOMON are almost exactly the same as Gods words to Israel as they entered the promised land. God said “I’M WITH YOU” and this gave the Jews the confidence to enter the promised land. But as they entered the land – God said – OBEY ME, KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS and I’ll give you fullness of life in the land. But disobey me and its all going to become meaningless, meaningless. So choose life.
And Solomon kind of learns this lesson THE HARD WAY. The way we embark on life’s fearful journey (as Gen X and Gen Y) is by believing that God really is with us. This is what gets us onto the field of life. But what brings us fullness in life is not money or pleasure or fame, but knowing and keeping Gods commands. Again, Solomon learnt this the hard way.
So do you know God is with you in the grand calling of life. This is a POWERFUL TRUTH that overcomes fear and anxiety and paralysis because nothing is impossible with God. Say it to yourself – nothing is impossible with God (Lk.1:37; Matt.19:26). There are TWO PASSAGES in the Bible that give that truth. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD. Now do you believe it? This is NOT the power of positive thinking. This is faith in God’s word. Its faith in God’s word that moves mountains. And Gods word says “you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength”. (Phil.4:13). Now do you believe that you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength.
Previous generations of Christians have believed God is with them (and keeping Gods Word as best they can) they have overcome things like WW1 and WW2 and the great depression. But each and every generation has to decide for themselves. Is God real? Is God with you and can God help you (overcome the struggles of life)? God’s presence with us – is what gives Christians the courage to tackle life. But what actually gives Christians fulness in life – is fearing God and keeping His commandments.
Apply: But this is the very thing Solomon didn’t do. He started well. He got out of bed and kicked a few goals. But A) after kicking a few goals with Gods help, B) he thought he could continue kicking goals without God’s help – and that’s where it all went bad. So end of Ecclesiastes – Solomon keeps telling us to remember God. Remember God when you’re young. Remember God before you die. And the grand climax of Ecclesiastes is this (Slide 18; Eccles.12:13).
This is the key to life to the full. So as a young Gen X or Gen Y (freaking out about life) look to the one wiser than King Solomon. That’s Jesus. Look to Jesus’ death and resurrection and know God is for you. Know God loves you and has power to help you. This gives you the confidence to enter the field of life. Then look to Jesus to work out what commands you should follow and obey. JESUS IS THE KING (greater than Solomon) who leads Gods people in fullness of life. I think Solomon is saying to YOUNG PEOPLE – “Don’t make my mistake. Don’t forget God. Don’t let go of his commands.” This is true wisdom.
But I think Solomon is also saying to older people – if you have made my mistake – remember God before you die. Maybe you grew up with Christian parents or grandparents. So you started life with a basic fear of God and knowledge of His commandments. But then (like Solomon) you kicked a few goals, got cocky and started charting your own course in life. Now maybe, you did not stuff up a whole nation like Solomon. But maybe you did stuff up your family. Maybe, like Solomon, life is feeling empty and meaningless. If that is you – Solomons story is a reminder it’s never too late. If someone as sinful, stupid and idolatrous as Solomon can still find a place of honour in God’s book of life – perhaps you can to…
I think its in this vein that Solomon writes the end of Ecclesiastes to both young and old. Realising he has entered existential crisis without God – he acknowledges his error, seems to repent of sin and begins to share with the next generation the path of true life, so that they will not share in his mistakes. Rather…
Point 3: Solomon says Carpe Diem (through Faith in God & His Word)*
Show: Eccles.11:1-2 (READ)
Explain: Notice – ship! Invest! This is risky business. Setting sail across the sea in 1000BC was madness. Boats sink. But Solomon is encouraging us to engage in life – knowing God is with us – if we revere Him and keep His commands. So invest in 7 ventures, no even 8. SEVEN is the biblical number of fullness or completion. But Solomon seems to be saying to young people go for a life that is beyond full. Don’t aim for full. Aim for overflowing because God is with you.
Show: Eccles.11:3-5 (READ). Solomon is admitting no one knows everything. If you wait till you know everything in life before you make a decision – you’ll never do anything. You’ll be forever PARALYSED – should I or shouldn’t I? Truth is you may not ALWAYS know God ways, BUT you do ALWAYS know Gods commands. So don’t build your life on what you don’t know. Build your life on what you do know.
Show: Eccles.11:6 (READ). Well please notice the word SUCCEED. If God is with you and you’re keeping His commands in life – what should you expect in life: success or failure? If God is with you and you’re walking with him – should you be optimistic or pessimistic?
Apply: Well as I said – we’ll explore this more next week. But something has changed. It’s no longer meaningless, meaningless it’s all damn meaningless. RATHER, it is now truly Carpe Diem – by revering God and keeping His commands. Embrace life. Have a crack. Ship, Invest, Sow. Do something with your hands. Just revere God and keep His commands. It seems Solomon now wants to keep others from His mistakes and foolishness. But are we listening? Like Solomon perhaps it needs to start with humility, confession and a new found hope…
