Devotionals for December 19, 2023
Christmas at TNLC this weekend! Saturday, December 23 at 5:30pm and Sunday, December 24 at 10AM, 4PM, and 5:30PM! Come celebrate with us!
READ
Ecclesiastes 9:7-9, 12:13-14
7 Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.
8 Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head.
9 Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun.
13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
7 Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.
8 Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head.
9 Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun.
13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
REFLECT
The preacher of Ecclesiastes is emphasizing the “vanity” or “vapor” that is life. Human beings are aware of their powerlessness to control the world around them as well as their ultimate fates. Sometimes, we develop behaviors to combat this. We work tirelessly, plan compulsively, stow away possessions, and avoid danger all to make ourselves feel in control. The writer asserts that this is a fallen trait, the modern fashioning of fig leaves to cover our vulnerable souls.
He also presents an image of what can be done in light of life’s unpredictability and harshness. Namely, to press into community and live in the gifted present tense. Though you cannot control your future, you can live fully in the present time with those you love. More than that, you can, at every moment, fulfill the “whole duty of man” which is obedience to God. Life may not be predictable, but it is worth living at every moment and there are little gifts in the midst of the craziness offered to you.
He also presents an image of what can be done in light of life’s unpredictability and harshness. Namely, to press into community and live in the gifted present tense. Though you cannot control your future, you can live fully in the present time with those you love. More than that, you can, at every moment, fulfill the “whole duty of man” which is obedience to God. Life may not be predictable, but it is worth living at every moment and there are little gifts in the midst of the craziness offered to you.
APPLY
Q: What is the writer telling the reader about the future and present?
Q: What parts of life do you need to press into more deeply?
Q: How can you encourage those you are discipling to accept their daily lot with joy?
Q: What parts of life do you need to press into more deeply?
Q: How can you encourage those you are discipling to accept their daily lot with joy?
SING
PRAY
"May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."
Lord, help us to press into what you have for us each day. Help us to notice the little joys of life and not become consumed with the uncertain future. Amen.
Lord, help us to press into what you have for us each day. Help us to notice the little joys of life and not become consumed with the uncertain future. Amen.