S) "15 As he had come naked from his mother’s womb, so will he return as he came. He will take nothing from the fruit of his labor that he can carry in his hand."
Ecclesiastes 5:15 (NASB)
O) The Teacher was speaking on the futility of possessions. Interestingly, this statement (which is, indeed, truth) is in fairly stark contrast to most of the religious beliefs at the time. Many of the oldest religions believed that, if you led a good enough life, you could take some possessions with you into the afterlife. So, many successful people would buried themselves with some of their most prized possessions. The truth, however, is as the Teacher says, although the tone of this verse, is decidedly negative, especially in context with the rest of the chapter.
A) This is not unlike a phrase my mother always used to tell us kids, growing up. Anytime we would argue or complain about material things, she would holler, "It's all gonna burn, anyway!" The reminder is, just as the Teacher says, that the things of this world will pass away. It's actually a truth echoed many times in the new testament, as a reminder that the temporal things are the least important. What must be especially remembered, though, is that chasing possessions isn't only a waste of time, but will cause bitterness in the soul, as we realize the futility of it, in light of the eternal.
A) This is not unlike a phrase my mother always used to tell us kids, growing up. Anytime we would argue or complain about material things, she would holler, "It's all gonna burn, anyway!" The reminder is, just as the Teacher says, that the things of this world will pass away. It's actually a truth echoed many times in the new testament, as a reminder that the temporal things are the least important. What must be especially remembered, though, is that chasing possessions isn't only a waste of time, but will cause bitterness in the soul, as we realize the futility of it, in light of the eternal.
P) Father, set my soul free from the desire of temporal, material things. This world, and all that is in it, is passing away. Let my heart be tied to the eternal things. Change the desires of my heart, to be after love, peace, and the knowledge of You, LORD. Let me build up relationships, and invest in people, and spreading the gospel, and being obedient to Your every move. Open my eyes to see the things that I already have, as what they are - passing away. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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