JULY 12, 2024
READ: Ecclesiastes 12 (Focus vs. 13-14)
MEMORY VERSE
“God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:14
BACKGROUND
A thief broke into a phone repair shop, smashed the glass of a display case, and began pocketing phones and more. He tried to conceal his identity from the surveillance camera by covering his head with a cardboard box. But during the burglary, the box briefly tipped, uncovering his face.
Minutes later, the store owner saw the video footage of the robbery, called the police, and they arrested the robber outside a nearby store. His story reminds us that every hidden sin will be uncovered one day.
It’s human nature to try to hide our sins. But in Ecclesiastes, we read that
we should keep God’s commandments, for every hidden thing will be brought before His righteous gaze and just verdict (12:14).
The author wrote, “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (v. 13). Even the hidden things which the Ten Commandments rebuked (Leviticus 4:13) won’t escape His evaluation.
He’ll bring every deed into judgment, whether good or evil. But, because of His grace, we can find forgiveness for our sins in Jesus and His sacrifice on our behalf (Ephesians 2:4-5).
When we’re conscious of and internalize His commandments, it can lead to a reverent fear of Him and a lifestyle to match. Let’s bring our sins to Him and experience anew His loving, forgiving heart.
By: Marvin Williams
INSIGHT
The final two verses of Ecclesiastes 12 comprise the conclusion to a sobering chapter in which old age is looked at with an unflinching lens.
These verses also serve as the conclusion to the entire book of Ecclesiastes—possibly the most depressing book in the Bible after Lamentations. In both the first and last chapters, the author tells us “everything is meaningless” (1:2; 12:8).
The bulk of the twelve chapters examine the futility of everything we do to try to find meaning and purpose. Upon closer inspection, however, we see that the writer does find meaning.
That’s why he writes, “Fear God and keep his commandments” (v. 13) for there’s a coming judgment (v. 14). Keep in mind that “the Teacher” (1:1) is writing from the perspective of this life only. Only when he acknowledges the next life does he find purpose and, ultimately, fulfillment.
By: Tim Gustafson
APPLICATION
How can you maintain a reverent fear of God? What can you do this week to be conscious of His commandments?
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
“When we’re conscious of and internalize His commandments, it can lead to a reverent fear of Him and a lifestyle to match.”
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
“Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night.” PSALMS 1:1-2
PRAYER
“Dear God, I repent of my secret sins. Please look on me with mercy and help me live rightly before You.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“DOWN AT THE CROSS”
Down at the cross
Where my savior died
Down where for cleansing
From sin I cried
There to my heart
Was the blood applied
Glory to His name
I am so wondrously
Saved from my sin
Jesus so sweetly
Abides within
There at the cross
Where He took me in
Glory to His name
Singin’ glory to His name
Glory to His name
There to my heart was the blood applied
Glory to His name
Oh, precious fountain that saves from sin
I am so glad I have entered in
There Jesus saves me and keeps me clean
Glory to His name
Singin’ glory to His name
Glory to His name
There to my heart was the blood applied
Glory to His name
Come to this fountain so rich and sweet
Cast thy poor soul at thy savior’s feet
Plunge in today
You’ll be made complete
Glory to His name
I’m singin’ glory to His name
Glory to His name
There to my heart was the blood applied
Glory to His name
Glory to His name
Glory to…
Glory, glory
READING THROUGH THE BIBLE THIS YEAR (DAILY)
PROVERBS 17
