Succession

Making any plans for succession can be tricky. This can apply in all spheres of industry, business, church or family. As Solomon comes to the end of his reign he muses over what will become of his legacy and those who will succeed him.

"It is better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king who refuses all advice. Such a youth could rise from poverty and succeed. He might even become king, though he has been in prison. But then everyone rushes to the side of yet another youth who replaces him. Endless crowds stand around him, but then another generation grows up and rejects him, too. So it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind." - Ecclesiastes 4:13-16

Remember that Solomon uses a technique of comparisons in his reflections. He suggests that if you had two people standing alongside one another - a poor youth and an old king - the younger person is better off because he still has time to learn and become a better person. Even young people who start off with many disadvantages have more hope than an older person who doesn't want to change.

However, the reign of the young person will also come to an end at some point. People will then rush to the new 'flavour of the month' and forget the first youngster. This is confusing and meaningless to Solomon, because we so often chase after fame and recognition believing it will answer all our desires. He says IT WON'T!

It serves as a humbling reminder that our personal legacy will never outlive the lasting legacy of Jesus. 

"Humble beginnings can make the best teachers!" 

Living in Grace

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Three are better than two

Today's reading has been used in countless wedding sermons over the years. Usually the preacher will tell the couple that two of the strands of a rope represent their lives and when they choose to add God into their marriage, the 3 stranded cord is not easily broken. 

"Again, if two people sleep together, they keep each other warm; but how can one person be warm by himself? Moreover, an attacker may defeat someone who is alone, but two can resist him; and a three-stranded cord is not easily broken." - Ecclesiastes 4:11-12

While this is true, we can broaden this analogy to represent all aspects of society and relationships. In the context of Solomon's reflections, we know that he values having companionship and people around him. The picture from today also includes the imagery of a journey - the person who is travelling on a road (journey of life) is easy prey if someone wants to attack them. However, if you travel with someone else, you are less likely to be overpowered. And then of course, if you travel with 3 people, you are safer than with just two. 

The phrase "a three-stranded cord is not easily broken" seems to be added onto the end of verse 12, which could mean that it was a local saying of the times. Almost like we may add: "Unity is strength" or "Strength in numbers" - it is a saying that people understand and it adds meaning to the context of the lesson.

What can you take away from today's readings?

Is God the 3rd strand in your friendships and relationships?

Living in Grace

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We all need someone

Perhaps one of the most heart-breaking funerals I have ever conducted involved a tiny baby who was left abandoned in the veld. She was found and nursed by a caring community, but she died, only a few days old. We gave her a memorial, but there was no family member at the service - just myself and a bunch of strangers. I am no sure why this story came to mind today, but after reading Ecclesiastes 4:7-10, Solomon's words brought up this memory.

There was a man all alone;
he had neither son nor brother.
There was no end to his toil,
yet his eyes were not content with his wealth.
“For whom am I toiling,” he asked,
“and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?”
This too is meaningless—a miserable business! (v.7-8)

Solomon's depression drives him deeper into despair and he wonders why "this man" carried on working so hard for no real purpose. He had no family to leave all his wealth too, which tells us that Solomon is speaking about someone else on this occasion.

He then reminds us that being in a team (even if it's only 2 people) is a blessing. Sharing is a gift and teaches us that we were created for community - we were not meant to 'go it alone.' 

Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.

As we reflect on today's passage do you have someone in your life who is able to help you get through life? Do you have a friend, partner, family member, church friend or colleague who is willing to stand alongside you? 

Remember that Jesus is always there for us, no matter how alone we feel.

Living in Grace

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How much is enough?

Today's passage from Ecclesiastes reminded me of the question posed by Adam Hamilton - "How much is enough?"

"Once again I saw that nothing on earth makes sense. For example, some people don’t have friends or family. But they are never satisfied with what they own, and they never stop working to get more. They should ask themselves, “Why am I always working to have more? Who will get what I leave behind?” What a senseless and miserable life!" - Ecclesiastes 4:7-8 (CEV)

There is such a sadness in his observation. I know he is not advocating doing nothing in our lives or being lazy, but he does get to the root of why we actually work? Is it because we need money or is it because we feel satisfaction in our work and can enjoy this Life as a gift from God?

Psalm 78:25 - He gave them more than enough, and each one of them ate this special food.

Prayer by Adam Hamilton - “Lord, help me be grateful for what I have, remember that I don't need most of what I want, and that joy is found in simplicity and generosity.”

Living in Grace

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Just like Job

"And I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living,  who are still alive. But better than both is the one who has never been born, who has not seen the evil  that is done under the sun." - Ecclesiastes 4:2-3

Solomon's woes continue in today's reading and his words sound a lot like the words of Job, who also lamented that the day he was born. "After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth" (Job 3:1)

If we dissect Solomon's thoughts in these 2 verses, we can see that he is highlighting three groups of people. Firstly, those who have died. Secondly, those who are still alive and then, thirdly, those people who are still to be born. This is all done with the background of his observation of oppression. His response to those who have no comforter (both the oppressed and oppressors) is this:

1. The dead are better off, because they are now free from the pain and trials of this oppressive world.

2. Those of us who are alive are worst off, because we still need to witness the agony of oppression and 'heart-break' in our world.

3. Those who are best off are the unborn children, as they are still innocent and haven't yet had their hearts broken by the sins of humanity.

Shew, this is all a little too depressing for me to be honest. Thankfully, we know the Good News that comes from Jesus Christ and that our Saviour offers us hope in the midst of all our struggles. Jesus offers us 'the abundant life' even though there is still pain all around us. For me, Jesus Christ gives me a reason to push through all the heart-break I see around me.

What do you think?

Living in Grace

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No comforter

It has been said that Mark Twain wrote so bitterly at times because he felt so deeply about things. I can't argue this point at all, but I do feel we could suggest the same for Solomon. As we move into chapter 4 we see that his writing continues to be filled with desperation. Even though he turns now to address issues on a society level, we clearly see his despair.

"Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun:

I saw the tears of the oppressed—
and they have no comforter;
power was on the side of their oppressors—
and they have no comforter." - 4:1

It is interesting that he see that both the oppressor and the oppressed seem to have no one to comfort them. Initially I thought 'why should the oppressor have someone to comfort them?Surely, it is only the oppressed who need comfort?' But, then I was challenged by a Biblical commentator who suggested that the reason why the powerful oppress others is because the lack contentment and peace. They take their frustrations out on others - usually in a very destructive way.

Thankfully, Jesus offers to bring comfort to all people and to those who call on his name Jesus offers perfect peace.

John 14:16 - And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate (Comforter) to help you and be with you forever.

Living in Grace

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