Ecclessiastes 12:13-14 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
Most people like Cliff Notes and their various cousins like Readers Digest editions. We like summaries because they let us know if something is worth diving into prior to our exit from the diving board. We want to know, if we invest our time in this activity, will it be worth my time.
When we used to pick up a book at a bookstore shelf, we could flip to the back page or to the Table of Contents to get a quick overview of the book. Movies put out ‘trailers’ in advance of the full release in an effort to catch an audience. Restaurants put their menu on their front window to give us the ability to see what we might expect, both for food choices and for pricing.
We write ‘Forward’ in a book giving some insight into the book and why and how it was written. We introduce ourselves to new people, telling them a summary of who we are. Or at least I hope it is just a summary!
Several books in the Scriptures give us very clear summary statements to help focus the content of the book. The Gospel of John 20:30-31 give us a lens through which the author wants us to read and understand his book. And so does Ecclesiastes.
If you have just finished reading the book of Ecclesiastes from which our text comes, you have heard the struggle of the author to make sense of the world in which he lives. He wants to find fulfillment and happiness, but all the avenues he has walked down in the alternating dark and light of his life have left him empty. And then he gives us his conclusion.
And this conclusion could almost be a summary of the who Scriptures when it comes to answering the question, “How should I conduct myself in this world?” He has tried all the suggested answers that this world has to offer. They have all failed to guide him in a way that meets his need. They have been empty, like an empty can of food. The label on the outside looks good, but it is devoid of substance inside.
His answer is two-fold. First, live the right way, the way outlined in the Scriptures. Second, realize that one day we will all have to give an account of everything we have done while walking this trail on “under the sun.”
So you might ask, “Am I expected to keep all 630 laws outlined in the Old Testament?” The question misses the point. The reason the Law was given was so the people of God would be able to see what holiness looks like in contrast to the other nations of the world. God’s people are supposed to be living differently than our non-believing counterparts.
The Law shows the contrast to the godly behavior desired by the LORD and that of peoples raised to live with the “under the sun” systems of morality and justice. And what a contrast it is.
The second view we need to take in relationship to our life here on earth is that it will come to an end. Our time here is limited. We will only spend so much time clothed in this flesh. “Dust to dust, ashes to ashes.” We will continue living in a transformed body in a transformed world following the conclusion of this world as a whole.
So in light of this, we are to live with our eyes clearly fixed on that reality while navigating here in this world. Eternity becomes the goal, and every move we make should be one that takes us closer to that goal. And because of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, we have a confirmed reservation. Our seat was purchased by His blood alone. It is His credit card that was used for us.
So the summary of my summary is: live holy with eyes fixed on Jesus.
The Arnold Journey 