"For God will bring every deed into judgment ... whether it is good or evil." (v. 14)

For Reading and Meditation:     Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Today our exploration of Ecclesiastes comes to an end. We have traveled with Solomon over many roads, and have listened to a wide variety of reflections. The world does not have the resources to meet the needs of the soul, he has been saying, and any attempt to try to find meaning in life apart from God is utterly futile. Meaning comes only when we attach ourselves to God. It all boils down to this, is his penultimate statement - "Fear God and keep his commandments" (v. 13). To "fear God" means we must reverence Him and put Him first. To "keep his commandments" means we obey Him whether we feel like it or not. Some see Solomon's concluding words as an anticlimax. No graphic word picture, no impressive or catchy sayings. But then this is the art of evangelism. Winning souls does not mean forcing the gospel down people's throats, but going with them down one road after another and showing them that this is not where life is found, then quietly bringing them back without fuss to the inescapable conclusion that the one true reality is God. Solomon's last statement is simple yet quite staggering: "God will bring every deed into judgment ... whether it is good or evil." Why such a solemn note to end? Because we can't live irresponsibly and get away with it. We can't buck the universe. God always has the last word. How do we sum up the message of Ecclesiastes? Like this: fear God and serve Him because one day you are going to stand before Him. I'm ready. Are you?

My Father and my God, if I am not ready then let Your Spirit be in my heart, and help me make the decision to turn my life over to You today. I do so now in humble repentance and simple trust. Take me, cleanse me, and make me Your child. In Jesus' Name I ask it. Amen.