Ecc12 Life (5/5)
(Please see PDF link below)
# Life ## Ecclesiastes 12 ### The Meaning of Life (5/5) [Montreal, CA. Marc-Olivier Jodoin](https://unsplash.com/photos/TStNU7H4UEE "caption") --- 1. *Sat am:* **Introduction** to Ecclesiastes 1. *Sat pm:* Is there
meaning in **Ambition** + **Money**? [(ch2,5)](# "ref") 1. *Sun am:* What is **Wisdom**? [(ch1)](# "ref") 1. *Sun pm:* What is the **Fate** of mankind? [(ch9)](# "ref") 1. *Mon am:* What is the meaning of **Life**? [(ch12)](# "ref") >>> + Sol's **search** for meaning / purpose + tried **pleasure, projects, possessions** + what is **crooked** cannot be straightened + tried **wisdom** + **folly** + wisdom: only more **frustration** + folly: **harms** self + could only see up to **death**, not **beyond** it + but hope of **resurrection** changes everything --- # What is
the **meaning** of life? [###](#/outline "secret") >>> + today: Sol's **conclusion** + with all of his **wisdom** and **resources** + Teacher (Qoheleth): **assembles** wisdom + from what he can see **under the sun** + the **end of the matter**: + the **sum** of + what our **life** on earth + **amounts** to + ch12 opens with a sad + beautiful **poem** + we'll only read **part** of it now + I'll read the rest for you shortly: --- [1](# "ref") Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth,
before the evil days come
and the years draw near of which you will say,
“I have no pleasure in them” ...
[1](# "ref") 你 趁 著 年 幼 、 衰 敗 的 日 子 尚 未 來 到 ,
就 是 你 所 說 , 我 毫 無 喜 樂 的
那 些 年 日 未 曾 臨 近 之 先 ,
當 記 念 造 你 的 主 。 ...
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:1 (ESV/CUV) (p.1/5)](# "ref") --- [7](# "ref") and the dust returns to the earth as it was,
and the spirit returns to God who gave it. [8](# "ref") Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.
[7](# "ref") 塵 土 仍 歸 於 地 , 靈 仍 歸 於 賜 靈 的 神 。
[8](# "ref") 傳 道 者 說 :
虛 空 的 虛 空 , 凡 事 都 是 虛 空 。
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:7-8 (ESV/CUV) (p.2/5)](# "ref") --- [11](# "ref") The words of the wise are like goads,
and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings;
they are given by one Shepherd.
[11](# "ref") 智 慧 人 的 言 語 好 像 刺 棍 ;
會 中 之 師 的 言 語 又 像 釘 穩 的 釘 子 ,
都 是 一 個 牧 者 所 賜 的 。
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:11 (ESV/CUV) (p.3/5)](# "ref") --- [13](# "ref") The end of the matter; all has been heard.
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.
[13](# "ref") 這 些 事 都 已 聽 見 了 , 總 意 就 是 :
敬 畏 神 , 謹 守 他 的 誡 命 ,
這 是 人 所 當 盡 的 本 分
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:13 (ESV/CUV) (p.4/5)](# "ref") --- [14](# "ref") For God will bring every deed into judgment,
with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
[14](# "ref") 因 為 人 所 做 的 事 , 連 一 切 隱 藏 的 事 ,
無 論 是 善 是 惡 , 神 都 必 審 問 。
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:14 (ESV/CUV) (p.5/5)](# "ref") --- ## Life [(Ecc12)](# "ref") 1. Our Eternal **Home** [(v1-8)](# "ref") 1. The Shepherd's **Goads** [(v9-12)](# "ref") 1. The **Fear** of the LORD [(v13-14)](# "ref") --- [1](# "ref") Remember also your **Creator** in the days of your **youth**,
before the **evil days** come
[1](# "ref") 你 趁 著 年 幼 、 衰 敗 的 日 子 尚 未 來 到 ,
就 是 你 所 說 , 我 毫 無 喜 樂 的
那 些 年 日 未 曾 臨 近 之 先 ,
當 記 念 造 你 的 主 。
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:1 (ESV/CUV)](# "ref") >>> + getting **old** is no fun + have **wisdom** of experience + but also **regret** over wasted **youth**: + only thought of **own** dreams/aspirations + did not acknowledge our **Creator** + facing **death** brings life into **focus** + we are going to **face** our Creator + are we **prepared**? --- Man is going to his **eternal home**,
and the **mourners** go about the streets
人 歸 他 永 遠 的 家 ,
弔 喪 的 在 街 上 往 來 。
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:5 (ESV/CUV)](# "ref") [Ukraine. Paul Itkin](https://unsplash.com/photos/xCdFXXoZkJc "caption") >>> + we were **created** by God + so when we die, we **return** to Him + our **eternal home** + Hebrews tells us we then face a **reckoning** + an **accounting** of our lives: --- Just as it is appointed for man to **die once**,
and after that comes **judgment**,
按 著 定 命 , 人 人 都 有 一 死 ,
死 後 且 有 審 判 。
[Hebrews 希伯來書 9:27 (ESV/CUV) (p.1/2)](# "ref") [Ales Krivec](https://unsplash.com/photos/ywtbSuCSjhM "caption") >>> + **how** will we be **judged**? + if **no one** is righteous in God's sight + then our **eternal home** would be + eternity in the **fires** of His judgment --- so **Christ**, having been **offered once**
to bear the **sins** of many, will appear a **second** time, not to deal with **sin**
but to **save** those who are eagerly waiting for him.
像 這 樣 , 基 督 既 然 一 次 被 獻 ,
擔 當 了 多 人 的 罪 ,
將 來 要 向 那 等 候 他 的 人 第 二 次 顯 現 ,
並 與 罪 無 關 , 乃 是 為 拯 救 他 們 。
[Hebrews 希伯來書 9:28 (ESV/CUV) (p.2/2)](# "ref") [Ales Krivec](https://unsplash.com/photos/ywtbSuCSjhM "caption") >>> + but Jesus' **death** on cross + has already **bourne** our sins + **one** sacrifice to cover + **all** our misdeeds past/present/future + first came riding a **donkey**, humble + as **Suffering Servant** + but He will **return** soon, this time + on a white **war horse** *(Rev19:11-16)* + as **Victorious King** + this is the **hope** we eagerly **wait** for + **remember** Him, our **Creator** + don't **waste** time on **meaningless** pursuits + I'll **read** for you the full text v1-8 + Sol's poem of **lament** + are we **prepared** for our **eternal home**? --- [1](# "ref") Remember also your **Creator** in the days of your **youth**,
before the **evil days** come
and the years draw near of which you will say,
“I have **no pleasure** in them”;
[1](# "ref") 你 趁 著 年 幼 、 衰 敗 的 日 子 尚 未 來 到 ,
就 是 你 所 說 , 我 毫 無 喜 樂 的
那 些 年 日 未 曾 臨 近 之 先 ,
當 記 念 造 你 的 主 。
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:1 (ESV/CUV) (p.1/8)](# "ref") [Dominik QN, Thailand](https://unsplash.com/photos/9gGQvhC4PEY "caption") --- [2](# "ref") before the **sun** and the light
and the **moon** and the stars are **darkened**
and the **clouds** return after the rain,
[2](# "ref") 不 要 等 到 日 頭 、 光 明 、 月 亮 、
星 宿 變 為 黑 暗 , 雨 後 雲 彩 反 回 ,
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:6 (ESV/CUV) (p.2/8)](# "ref") --- [3](# "ref") in the day when the **keepers** of the house tremble,
and the **strong men** are bent,
and the **grinders** cease because they are few,
and those who look through the **windows** are dimmed,
[3](# "ref") 看 守 房 屋 的 發 顫 , 有 力 的 屈 身 ,
推 磨 的 稀 少 就 止 息 ,
從 窗 戶 往 外 看 的 都 昏 暗 ;
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:6 (ESV/CUV) (p.3/8)](# "ref") --- [4](# "ref") and the **doors** on the street are shut --
when the sound of the **grinding** is low,
and one **rises up** at the sound of a bird,
and all the daughters of **song** are brought low --
[4](# "ref") 街 門 關 閉 , 推 磨 的 響 聲 微 小 ,
雀 鳥 一 叫 , 人 就 起 來 ,
唱 歌 的 女 子 也 都 衰 微 。
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:6 (ESV/CUV) (p.4/8)](# "ref") --- [5](# "ref") they are **afraid** also of what is **high**,
and terrors are in the **way**;
the **almond tree** blossoms,
the **grasshopper** drags itself along, and **desire** fails,
[5](# "ref") 人 怕 高 處 , 路 上 有 驚 慌 , 杏 樹 開 花 ,
蚱 蜢 成 為 重 擔 , 人 所 願 的 也 都 廢 掉 ;
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:6 (ESV/CUV) (p.5/8)](# "ref") --- because man is going to his **eternal home**,
and the **mourners** go about the streets --
因 為 人 歸 他 永 遠 的 家 ,
弔 喪 的 在 街 上 往 來 。
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:6 (ESV/CUV) (p.6/8)](# "ref") --- [6](# "ref") before the **silver cord** is snapped,
or the **golden bowl** is broken,
or the **pitcher** is shattered at the fountain,
or the **wheel** broken at the cistern,
[6](# "ref") 銀 鍊 折 斷 , 金 罐 破 裂 ,
瓶 子 在 泉 旁 損 壞 , 水 輪 在 井 口 破 爛 ,
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:6 (ESV/CUV) (p.7/8)](# "ref") --- [7](# "ref") and the **dust** returns to the **earth** as it was,
and the **spirit** returns to **God** who gave it. [8](# "ref") **Vanity** of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.
[7](# "ref") 塵 土 仍 歸 於 地 , 靈 仍 歸 於 賜 靈 的 神 。
[8](# "ref") 傳 道 者 說 :
虛 空 的 虛 空 , 凡 事 都 是 虛 空 。
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:7-8 (ESV/CUV) (p.8/8)](# "ref") --- # Am I **prepared** to go to my **eternal home**? >>> + appointed to **die** once + then to face **judgment** + only Jesus' **sacrifice** can take away our **sin** + we **eagerly await** His **return** + and **look forward** to our **eternal home** + at **rest** in His arms --- ## Life [(Ecc12)](# "ref") 1. Our Eternal Home [(v1-8)](# "ref") 1. **The Shepherd's Goads** [(v9-12)](# "ref") 1. The Fear of the LORD [(v13-14)](# "ref") >>> + coming toward **conclusion** + Sol **reflects** on his pursuit of **wisdom**: --- The **words** of the wise are like **goads**,
and like **nails** firmly fixed are the collected sayings;
they are given by one **Shepherd**.
智 慧 人 的 言 語 好 像 刺 棍 ;
會 中 之 師 的 言 語 又 像 釘 穩 的 釘 子 ,
都 是 一 個 牧 者 所 賜 的 。
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:11 (ESV/CUV)](# "ref") [Elephant Rock, Australia. Jordan Donaldson](https://unsplash.com/photos/FAVdyq1Qz24 "caption") >>> + **goads**: poky sticks to **guide** plowing animals + **uncomfortable**, by design + **immovable**, useless to kick against them + **turn** us where we ought to go + **nails**: sturdy, reliable + **trust** my life to it + it won't **let** me down + one **Shepherd**: everything in Eccl is from **God** + all of Sol's observations **under the sun** + are still **true**! + **futility** of earthly **ambitions** drives us to + set our **hope** on what is **eternal** --- # What words of **wisdom** have been
**goading** me? >>> + like sharp poky **sticks** + God's **truth** often **uncomfortable** + but **guides** us where we need to go --- ## Life [(Ecc12)](# "ref") 1. Our Eternal Home [(v1-8)](# "ref") 1. The Shepherd's Goads [(v9-12)](# "ref") 1. **The Fear of the LORD** [(v13-14)](# "ref") >>> + finally come to Sol's **conclusion** --- The **end** of the matter; all has been heard.
**Fear God** and keep his **commandments**,
for this is the **whole** duty of man.
這 些 事 都 已 聽 見 了 , 總 意 就 是 :
敬 畏 神 , 謹 守 他 的 誡 命 ,
這 是 人 所 當 盡 的 本 分
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:13 (ESV/CUV) (p.1/2)](# "ref") [Samuel Ferrara](https://unsplash.com/photos/IEHPDNk2-8w "caption") >>> + **whole duty**: Heb. doesn't have "duty" + "the **whole** of man" + the **sum** of our existence on earth + our **identity**, who we are + **fear God**: common theme throughout OT + right **attitude**: awe, reverence, honour + manifest in **obedience** to His commands + in both Heb/Gr, same word as **terror** + but usually we run **away** from what we fear + fear of the LORD draws us **closer** + He is not only **just** + **holy** + but also **merciful** + **loving** --- For God will bring every **deed** into **judgment**,
with every **secret** thing, whether **good** or **evil**.
因 為 人 所 做 的 事 , 連 一 切 隱 藏 的 事 ,
無 論 是 善 是 惡 , 神 都 必 審 問 。
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:14 (ESV/CUV) (p.2/2)](# "ref") >>> + this sounds really **scary**! + nothing is **hidden** from God's eyes + even innermost **thoughts** of the heart + but if we have **Christ**, + we do not **fear** this judgment + Romans 8 **encourages** us: --- There is therefore now **no condemnation**
for those who are in **Christ Jesus**.
如 今 , 那 些 在 基 督 耶 穌 裡 的
就 不 定 罪 了 。
[Romans 羅馬書 8:1 (ESV/CUV) (p.1/2)](# "ref") [Lac d'Anterne, France. Hugues de Buyer-Mimeure](https://unsplash.com/photos/-wT0iS-TSZM "caption") >>> + when we face **judgment** + all our **secret sins** revealed + before the **holy** Creator + if we are in **Christ Jesus** + He saves us from being **condemned** --- For the law of the **Spirit of life** has set you
**free** in Christ from the law of **sin and death**.
因 為 賜 生 命 聖 靈 的 律 , 在 基 督 耶 穌 裡 釋 放 了 我 , 使 我 脫 離 罪 和 死 的 律 了 。
[Romans 羅馬書 8:2 (ESV/CUV) (p.2/2)](# "ref") >>> + law of **sin+death**: + trying to be **righteous** + is **futile** on our own strength + law of **Spirit of life**: + Christ bore the **condemnation** in our place + gave us **new life** + and **Holy Spirit** to dwell in us --- # Will I **trust** Jesus
with my **life**? >>> + the entirety of **who I am** is + to **fear** God and + **keep** His commands + not **fearing** the coming **judgment** + but **trusting** my life to Jesus + who has **bourne** the penalty for me + He gives me new **life** + new **hope** above the **sun** + **purpose** + meaning in this life --- --- Heavenly **Father**, I praise You.
Dear Lord **Jesus**, I thank You.
For You are the True **Creator**,
But You have come down to **earth**
to become **man**, to tell me that You **love** me,
親愛的天父,我讚美您;
耶穌基督,我感謝您。
您是創造宇宙的真神,降世為人,因為您愛我,
--- To die for my **sins** upon the **cross**,
to shed Your precious **blood**
and rid me of **guilt**,
to **rise** from the dead and give me a new **life**.
為我的罪死在十字架上,
流寶血洗淨我一切的不義,
從死裡復活,叫我得新生命。
--- I **want** You, dear Lord Jesus.
Please come into my **heart**.
Be my **Lord** and Savior and **forgive** my sins:
the sin of only **trusting** myself and not trusting You.
Starting today, I want to **follow** You.
我誠懇的請求您,請主耶穌基督住在我心中,
做我的救主,管理我的一生,請您赦免我的罪;
就是我自作主張,沒有遵從您的話。
從今以後,我要遵從您的話。
--- Please give me **eternal life**, that is, Your life.
Grant me the **Holy Spirit** to guide my ways.
求您賜我永生,就是您的生命。
賜我聖靈,引導我進入真理。
--- Let me experience Your **peace** and joy,
and fill my heart with Your **love**.
Bless my **family** and fill it with Your love.
This I **pray** in Your precious name,
Dear Lord **Jesus Christ**. Amen
賜我有您的平安和喜樂,讓您的愛充滿我的心,
求您看顧我的家,叫我們全家歸您,
享受您的愛,帶領我的前途。
我這樣禱告,是奉主耶穌基督的名求,阿們!
---