Journal Through the Bible: Week 48 Friday

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Ecclesiastes chapters 3 and 4

This passage begins with a beautiful poem about time and purpose. The chapter ends with the observation that everything that has the breath of life dies, whether man or beast. The next chapter speaks of the work, oppression, and cooperation.

Does God issue any commands in this passage?

• God does not speak directly in this passage.

Does God make any promises?

• God does not speak directly in this passage.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• One of the most misunderstood things about Jesus' first advent was its purpose. Even His disciples did not understand why He had come, especially after He had been crucified and all of their hopes for the Kingdom were dashed. But as 3:1-8 states there is a time to every purpose and Jesus' purpose in coming to earth as a baby in Bethlehem, growing up as the sinless Son of God, dying on the cross and being resurrected 3 days later was the time to fulfill the purpose of being the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.
• When Solomon states "that which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been," (3:15) this is fulfilled in Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• Just as Jesus had a time to be the Lamb of God, one day He will come in His second advent and this time He will be the Lion of Judah, the Judge of the whole world. 
• Solomon states that whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever. (3:14) Forever means forever. He that began a good work shall be faithful to complete it. (Philippians 1:6)
• The time of judgment is yet to come. (3:17)