The Last Word!

The Last Word!

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV

Context and Charge:

The writer of these words is presumed to be Solomon, who introduced himself to us in the very first sentence as the Teacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. From what we know of the son of David, he was accounted for in the bible as full of wisdom. In fact, God testified of him that there would be no king like him before and after him, and God blessed him with abundant riches and wisdom. As you read these words above, there is one major conclusion that matters here, and it is this: "Live life to the fullest; enjoy all that God provides for this life, but remember that this earth is preparation for eternity." The life of Solomon is testament to that conclusion. 

If we can keep the thought above at the back of our minds, as well as lay them up as treasure in our hearts, we will keep ourselves from the distractions that this earth makes attractive. If indeed the writer is Solomon, we recall his life of pleasure. By his own words, he satisfied his eyes and his heart, sparing nothing he desired. His knowledge and wisdom drew kings and queens to his palace, and they were not disappointed. Yet, at crucial points in his life, he realised the vanity and futility of a life lived solely for pleasure and not for the glory of God. There is a limit to what this earthly life can guarantee, but that which God gives is eternal, in outlook and scope.

Conviction and Conclusion:

With all that we have observed from our own lives, as well as the lessons that the stories of men and women of old teach us, what other conclusion can we reach, except that which has been laid out in the verse under consideration today? The fear of God is the basic minimum and the start point for a life of impact. If there is no fear of God in a man's heart, there are no boundaries that man will not attempt to push or break. It is the fear of God in a man's heart that makes him love all that God loves and hate all that God hates. You cannot fear God and also fear man at the same time; my heart can only take one variant at any point in time. Which fear rules your heart? What of mine?

Fear of God also drives obedience. The best kind of obedience is the type that proceeds out of a heart of love. Keeping God's commandments is seen here as the whole duty of man, not a part. Until total obedience becomes a daily commitment, I cannot lay claim to fearing God. Fearing God cannot be a passive phase, where I can get away with just doing nothing with that fear; it must drive me to take the right steps to honour God with my life's pursuits and priorities. It is not a part-time job, or one where I can do it in shifts; it must take hold of my entire life, and then lead me on to eternal life, which is God's perfect end to my life. Can I say, then, that this is true of me? God's time of favour is here.