November 27, 2008 - Remember Your Creator

Meditation on Ecclesiastes 12

The final instructions by Solomon for the assembly of life are these: Remember your creator in the days of your youth, learn your lessons in life, fear God and keep His commandments.

Solomon described the problems of old age with the most imaginative and poetic language in verses one to eight. Most likely he was in such conditions when he wrote those words. He warned the young people to live out their lives in accordance to divine commandments before their energy became so weak and prospect of service became so dim. There are various interpretations for this passage to depict the days of no pleasure. The following understanding would help you to begin your own reflection.

We should remember our creator right now while we can enjoy the sunlight and the night sky with no sad prospect for next day. (v. 2)

During our very senior years, our bodies are shaken and we have hunched backs. Our good teeth are few and our vision is dim. (v. 3)

Those are the days when we are fearful of the street and our hearing are poor, when we are unable to sleep well and wake up very early. Our sound chords will become lower. (v. 4)

Then we are afraid of height and falling down on the street. Our hairs turn white. We can not stand even a grasshopper. We have no desires at all. Our expectation is death and funeral. (v. 5)

Like a running down house or an abandoned resort, our life is snapping out and winding down. The scenery portrays brokenness and loneliness. Our body returns to dust and our spirit returns to God. (v. 6-7)

All becomes a bubble. (v. 8)

The words of the wise and the preacher may hurt a little. But they can bring stability and firmness in our lives because they give direction and discernment. They are the lessons from life. We also need to exercise good choices in reading and writing. Not all are beneficial. (v. 9-12)

In final conclusion, we must fear God with reverent attitude and honoring Him. Therefore we should keep His commandments and prepare for His judgment in all things whether good or evil. (v. 13-14)