JUN 20

Ecclesiastes 11:7-8
Memorise Hebrews 9:27
“Yet let him remember the days of darkness”

Though there are many things in life that we cannot control and predict, there are certain things that we know for a certainty. Two ideas are highlighted here, and that is the fact that we will grow old and die one day, and that after that we will have to face judgment. As Hebrews 9:27 clearly states: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”

And so in the final segment in this chapter, Solomon reflects on the subject of life in general, and gives advice to young men on the conduct of their life, especially in light of one’s certain death and judgment.

He commends the youth, for they have the life, energy and vigour to enjoy the days under the sun. He says truly the light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun – describing the enjoyment of life and all that the world has to offer. He is saying that yes indeed this world is an enjoyable place, and in it are many wonderful things to see, taste, touch and feel. Yet as we live, we must constantly be mindful of the fact that the days of darkness (old age) will be coming. Darkness here is contrasted with light, and describes the future days where the body begins to degenerate, and is no longer able to enjoy the light. Those days that come will be days of vanity, for Solomon himself at this point of time, in his evening years, was experiencing the ravages of old age.

Thus as we live our life here on earth, we must always be mindful of the fact that our time here is temporal. Our youth and vitality will not last forever. As youths, we are sometimes rather short-sighted in our view on life, in that we are only interested in the present, right here, right now. We seek for instant gratification that does not last. May we all heed the warnings of Solomon, that we do not make the same mistakes that he made in indulging in sin and falling away from the Lord. Let us, in our youth, be ever mindful of the future, and in light of that, serve the Lord every day of our lives.

Thought: The greatest joy can only come when we do God’s will.
Prayer: Lord, may You help me to look beyond the present, and constantly ask what Your will for me is.