Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
Chapter 3 begins by considering that there is a certain time for everything, including the right time to sow and reap, or work and enjoy the results of work. Many people make their self-worth dependent on their work – on what they can achieve, how much money they can make, how successful they can become – so they spend excessive amounts of time working. A recurring question in Ecclesiastes is, what worth does our work have, without considering God’s eternal perspective? The Preacher is reminding us again that everything we work for materially will eventually fade away – and so it cannot bring us lasting fulfilment.
But when we follow God and do the things he asks us, we are putting our labour into something that is eternally worthwhile. God’s plans don’t fade away or need to be started again, but will ultimately be fulfilled and bring permanent, eternal satisfaction. It may be difficult to wait for God’s plans to come to fruition, but the Preacher says that 'God makes everything beautiful in its time' (verse 11). This idea isn't the same as the earlier one that human productivity is futile, as it's saying that it's ultimately only God who can make human work meaningful. This allows the author to conclude that the best thing is for people to 'eat, drink and find satisfaction in their toil' (verse 13).
Lord, please help me to remember that true fulfilment comes from following you and not from my achievements or anything in the world.
This reflection was written by Hannah Stevens who is part of Bible Society's Publishing team
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