# 500 Ecclesiastes – In search of meaning in life – 3:9-15 The gift of God. 

Recently we attended a funeral of a friend. The pastor leading the service spoke of the deceased (who was 78) calling her “beautiful Natalie” and her three sons summed up her life with quite a few tears. Anyone who knew her, including ourselves, appreciated her selflessness and generosity as she faithfully lived a life of faith in God. So, why did she suffer as she did?

C Wright speaks of Ecclesiastes with the words, there “is a tension that we will find pulling in opposite directions all through the book, between the uncertainties of what we observe and the certainties of what we know by faith.” (#60)

In other words, his experience of life in many ways was similar to our own, if we are believers in the Living God.

On the positive side he says:

¹² I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. ¹³ That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. 

Wright continues:

In this, one of Qoheleth’s “life-affirming passages… He simply affirms the joys of life as God’s gift, without any negative qualifications. Life is good, so enjoy it and do good. He uses the word “good” twice. And that of course recalls that strongly creational word from Genesis [chapter] 1. Qoheleth is agreeing with God, who said seven times in Genesis 1 that what he had created is “good.” So it is, says Qoheleth. Enjoy it!” (# 60)

Then Qoheleth adds:

¹⁴ I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.

¹⁵ Whatever is has already been,
    and what will be has been before;
    and God will call the past to account.

And Wright comments: “As an Israelite, Qoheleth knows that God is the Creator and therefore God alone holds the key to understanding the whole tapestry [see my last Post]. God can see the whole picture. God alone grasps the totality of life, the universe, and everything. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him. (3:14; my emphasis) God is sovereign over time, and all his actions within history are enduring in their purpose and effects. Things may change with time (of course), but God’s purposes endure forever.” (# 60)

He continues:

“The God of biblical faith is the judge of all the earth who will do what is right. Ultimately God will call everything to account. There will be no loose ends. There will be nothing just swept under the carpet. The past lies open before God, and there will be a “putting right.” This is, in fact, an important part of the biblical gospel. It is good news that evil and futility will not have the last word. God will do justice.” (# 60)

The New Testament also speaks of the gifts of God such as:

 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)

The important fact concerning gifts is that they actually need to be received. As long as they remain in the hands of the giver (in this case, God) they are of no benefit to the receiver (i.e., you and me). So, have you gratefully received God’s good gifts so readily available to you today? Our friend, Natalie was one who had received these gifts from God and so was able to live a meaningful and abundant life, even in the midst of some really tough times. And now, she is enjoying the wonderful gift of eternal life in the presence of God, where he has promisedHe will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain (Revelation 21:4) Hallelujah!