Time Is Limited! By Pastor Scott
Time is limited-don’t miss out, by Pastor Scott
Solomon’s search for significance continues as he considers the time & seasons of life.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” –Ecclesiastes 3:1
The poem found in Ecclesiastes 3 contains fourteen contrasting circumstances in seven verses related to the seasons & situations of life under heaven. Verses 2-7 is a very old poem that includes many often-recited lyrics of poetry throughout time. You can find these lines in common phrases, famous quotes, popular hit songs and various literary works. The song, “Turn, turn, turn” by Pete Seeger, made famous by “The Byrds” in 1965 is the poem put to music. In the classic novel, “A Tale of Two Cities” (which I’ve never read), the author begins the first paragraph with these words, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…” (novel published in 1859 by English author Charles Dickens).
Why do Solomon and Dickens place these extreme opposites as occurring simultaneously in time?
What meaning or purpose can we find in the disturbing events under heaven?
What satisfaction can we enjoy in the delightful experiences of this life?
What does it mean to live each day/moment to the fullest?
“Hurry! Time is running out” was the subject line of an email I received this week from a Christian publisher: “Save BIG on Bestselling Bibles!” So many enticements or clickbait to take hold of the vapor that is time.
On Sunday, March 2nd we will continue our study in the poetic literature of wisdom found in Ecclesiastes 3.
In the seasons & Sovereignty of God we will study conflicting considerations of time (trials & transformation).
1) Troubling Truths Contrasted – Ecclesiastes 3:2-8
- a) Life & death: “a time to be born and a time to die.”
- b) Time & tears: “a time to mourn and a time to dance.”
Which of the fourteen contrasting circumstances disturb you most?
Which of the fourteen contrasting circumstances delight you most?
2) Transforming Truths Concluded – Ecclesiastes 3:9-14
- a) Everyday gifts: “God makes everything beautiful in its time.”
- b) Enduring faith: “Everything God does will endure forever.”
What have you seen transformed from burden to beauty?
What do you hope & trust in that will endure to eternity?
What time is it? Time can be borrowed, killed, regretted, spent, watched, wasted, but never purchased.
However, time can be redeemed: “Be very careful how you live, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16
Are we making the most of every opportunity, seeking the God who makes all things beautiful in His time?
Seeking the wisdom & Word of God to live a Christ-led life of redeeming time,
Pastor Scott
“So, teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12
Still taking time to read this blog? Here is a riddle for you to fiddle: “Why did they give the old preacher a watch for retirement. He never used one before, why would he need one now?” Only time will tell.
(Sorry, I just wasted some of your time.)
