Ecclesiastes 3: God's Eternally Relevant WordSample

Rest in God’s plan for you

People and animals share a common fate in that both experience physical death. They all “go to the same place,” i.e., sheol, or the realm of death. However, although their bodies return to “dust,” their spirits undergo different fates. For beasts, their spirit “goes/descends down to the earth,” a Hebrew idiom which literally means “to cease to be effective.” No afterlife. Whereas the spirit of people “goes/ascends upward,” indicating that it will be dealt with by God. In short, unlike animals, man will face God one day.

Physical death “tests” (i.e., “exposes/makes clear”) to mankind that our time on this earth is brief. Yet, if one takes God out of the picture by disregarding His Word concerning His creation and His creatures, a person does not see a difference between the ultimate fate of beasts and men; “Who knows?” asks Solomon (3:21).

For most of us, there is a general suspicion, perhaps even a yearning, inside that tells us there is something more to our existence that a few brief years on planet earth. After all, God has “set eternity” in our hearts (3:11). That suspicion or yearning is confirmed throughout the Word of God.

Ignoring eternity and a relationship with our Creator can result in a disordering of our lives here and now. Indeed, people can virtually live like a beast, driven primarily by desires for physical gratification or comfort. Humans have the capacity to exceed animals in cruelty, when we find ourselves suffering an injury, coveting what others have, or defending our pride. Examples of mankind’s viciousness toward others exist throughout history, as well as around us today. Such is the fallen nature of man.

God has rescued us from living as beasts through the provision of His Son, Jesus Christ. Indeed, people are created for an eternal existence, and they are designed to have a rich fellowship with their Creator forever by humbly placing their faith in Christ as their personal Savior. Through Christ, we have reconciliation with God the Father.

In 3:22, Solomon states the happy application of this truth. We can pursue our earthly responsibilities with an eternal view, rejoicing in our “lot” in life now. As our Lord orders our steps, we can rest in Him and partake in His goodness each and every day.

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