Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes 5: Reverence and the gift of joy

Begin in prayer

Before we read about God in heaven and us on earth, let us ask Him to teach our family reverence, and to help us see Christ, who brings us near.

Let all the earth fear Yahweh. Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.

Psalm 33:8

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Teach us to listen carefully to Your Word and mean what we say before You. Give us grateful hearts that receive our daily portion from Your hand. Help us see Jesus. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

The Preacher tells worshipers to draw near and listen rather than offer the sacrifice of fools. God is in heaven, so people on earth must restrain rash words. Vows must be paid, since excuses can bring God’s anger and the destruction of a person’s work. Oppression occurs among officials who stand under other officials, and even the king depends on the field’s produce. Love of money remains unsatisfied, while abundance brings more consumers and can disturb sleep. Riches may be lost, and their owner leaves life empty-handed after days of darkness, frustration, sickness and anger. God gives life and the power to enjoy one’s portion, occupying the heart with joy.

As you read Ecclesiastes 5, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God rules above us, calls for reverence and gives the power to enjoy our portion.

To draw near to listen is better than the sacrifice of fools, so worship begins with careful steps into God’s house (verse 1). God is in heaven, and we are on earth, so we use few words before Him (verse 2). A vow is a promise made to God, and it must be paid (verses 4 and 5). Calling it a mistake does not remove the warning of God’s anger and the destruction of our work. Under the sun the one who loves silver is never satisfied, and the Preacher says “this also is vanity” (verse 10). Riches can be lost, and their owner leaves with empty hands (verses 14 and 15). God gives the days of life, possessions and the ability to enjoy one’s portion. Only through Jesus can sinners safely draw near to the God who is in heaven (Hebrews 10 verses 19 to 22).

How does Ecclesiastes 5 show us that God rules above us, calls for reverence and gives the power to enjoy our portion?

God’s greatness calls for listening and truthful promises.

We approach the God who is in heaven. Rash words and unkept vows treat His presence lightly. He warns that excuses do not prevent His anger or the destruction of our work.

Money cannot give the satisfaction its lovers seek.

The lover of money keeps wanting more. Wealth may disturb sleep, perish through misfortune or remain behind at death. We should consider these limits before making riches our aim.

God gives the enjoyment that possessions cannot guarantee.

Life itself comes from God. The ability to eat, receive our portion and rejoice in work is also His gift. Gratitude receives this good without pretending it is owed to us.

Memorise

for God is in heaven, and you on earth. Therefore let your words be few.

Ecclesiastes 5:2

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, do my careless words to God show that I need Jesus to make me clean?

The Preacher tells us, “you must fear God.” Rash worship and broken vows are sins before Him. Money cannot buy His favor or remove the guilt of words we should never have spoken.

Jesus gives sinners access to the holy God. Jesus offered Himself for His people, bearing their sins and paying the price of their guilt. His sacrifice completed everything needed to reconcile them to God. He rose and now lives as the great priest over God’s house. Hebrews 10 verses 19 to 22 calls believers to draw near through His blood with true hearts and faith.

Turn from sin and trust Jesus. His blood secures forgiveness for every sinner who draws near in faith. Come with reverence, trusting His completed work. God is in heaven and we are on earth, yet through Jesus, our great priest, those who trust Him may draw near to God.

Parent's note

Tell your children that each one needs forgiveness for sin through Jesus. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call them to repent and trust Him. Ask Him to renew their hearts so that they willingly trust and obey Jesus.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for His greatness, His daily gifts and access to Him through Jesus. Bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him.

Ephesians 3:12

Holy God, You are in heaven and we are on earth. Forgive our careless words and promises. Teach us to listen to Your Word and keep what we have vowed. Free us from love of money, and give us thankful hearts. Please bring each one of us near through Jesus and His sufficient sacrifice. Amen.