Ecclesiastes 9
Whenever the word “Death” is being mentioned, it will most likely draw different sentiments from the hearers.
Some may feel that it is a taboo to mention this word, saying that it brings bad omen. Some would even start to feel a chill rushing down the spine upon hearing this word, because death is a destination that is bleak and hopeless.
But there are still some people who can see light and hope when death is concerned.
So how do we feel when we hear the word “Death”? Let’s read what the Preacher reveals to us regarding this matter.
Bible Passage: Ecclesiastes 9
“For the living know they will die; …(v.4a)” yes indeed all of us, regardless of our status or background, know that we can’t escape death.
We do not know when we will die, but surely we will fly to somewhere that is being appointed for us; and there we will spend our eternity.
As what the Preacher has been emphasizing throughout this book, that everything under the sun is vanity, so we must not cling on to the perishable things that we have obtained under the sun; whether be it wealth, status or even fame.
It is not surprising that those people of the world who sees death as a fearful thing do not want to speak or discuss anything about death, because death is the end of life, a destination of hopelessness.
Even though at times they may feel that it is better to die than to suffer in life due to some terminal illnesses or extreme sorrows, but there is still uncertainties regarding death; for they are not sure what really comes next after death.
What about us who are believers of the One True God, the Author of our lives? Do we feel disturbed by the word “Death” or even at the back of the mind still lingers the sense of the fear of death?
Let’s see the will of God that the Preacher has revealed to us:
7.Go, eat your bread with joy,
And drink your wine with a merry heart;
For God has already accepted your works.
8. Let your garments always be white,
And let your head lack no oil.
9. Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life which He has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity; for that is your portion in life, and in the labor which you perform under the sun.
Yes, we don’t have to be fearful of death or even worry about the day that we have to face death.
We can go on to enjoy the fruit of our labours with our families, but we must not forget to maintain our status as the children of God, to keep our garments white and not lacking in oil.
The thought of death, to us as the redeemed of the Lord, should not worry or instill fear in us; but instead it should energize us to work towards the goal that our Lord has set for us,
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Phil. 1 : 21
Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the
righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all
who have loved His appearing.
2 Tim. 4:8
May God help us and shower us with wisdom to do His will on earth, and let us all be the ones who loved His appearing.
Shalom.