Title: The Beautiful History of God
The beautiful work of God according to the time (Ecclesiastes 3:9-14)
Seong, who lived in Daejeon, lived a faithful life, but he was scammed and lost his home and money, and his two sons dropped out of school. He lived a good life, but underwent two cancer surgeries. But even today, he continues to live faithfully. Not flashy, but getting a little joy from what you do. How would you respond if you asked this person, “What does a person gain by working hard?”
Let's ask ourselves a question. How would you answer the question, “What does a person earn by working hard?” Today's text answers the question, “What does a man gain by working hard?” in verse 10. And verse 14 explains why. “God does this to make people fear God.” The toil of life is given to fear God. To fear God is to believe that God is guiding our life and to fear this God. When things go differently and produce different results, people think of their own “limits”. There are people who ‘pray’ in front of this ‘limit’. He thinks of God and looks to the sky. God allows human beings to make such a difficult effort to find God in front of their “limits”.
Why do people, especially those who believe in God, seek God in difficult times?
In verse 11, God has put in people’s hearts ‘a longing for eternity. This is like navigation. It's like a radio antenna. By relying on the navigation of faith and longing for eternity, you can know where you are, where you are going, and where you should be heading. If everything goes according to my will, there is no need to seek God. But life is not like that. That is why God has given us a longing for eternity in our hearts, and He wants us to pray even when we work hard and when difficult things arise.
What do we realize when we hold onto our longing for eternity? Verse 11.
“Oh, God has set his time. I thought this was the most beautiful time to produce results, but God's time is different!” No matter what purpose we are working for, we never know what the end of the work will be. But what is clear is that when you take on the hard work of seeking God, you will experience the beautiful work of God from time to time.
If so, where should humans, who are trapped within the limits of time, find hope?
The Bible makes it clear. Hope is the God who makes all things the most beautiful. When we pursue something but it doesn't go as planned, it's time to think about the 'invisible hand'. That is why God has planted a “longing for eternity” in the human heart. Even though you have worked hard, when you encounter a 'limit', you should set up your antenna with the thought that there will be a will of God in this work.
How should a person who set up an antenna to God live today? Verses 12-13.
To live happily and to do good. Eating, drinking, and working, that is, living every day with joy. If we believe that God will beautifully accomplish what we expect at the most appropriate time, if we believe that God will accomplish our work in the most beautiful time, we should not be discouraged if things do not work out today. The same goes for “invitation to happiness”. God makes the most beautiful things at the right time. But we must have this faith and give our best before God.
It hurts to make pearls, but you have to wait. How can God turn away from those who fear God and wait for His beautiful work? God has called the church to encourage each other to set up antennas. We are called to help each other enjoy today and look forward to tomorrow. Everyone, if we see people complaining or worrying about each other's results today, let's be people who help us live today in gratitude while looking forward to God's big picture.