As we continue our summer series, “Living Life Backwards,” we delve into the intricate and thought-provoking book of Ecclesiastes. This Old Testament book, often attributed to Solomon, challenges us to reconsider the way we live by confronting the reality of our mortality. Today, we focus on Ecclesiastes chapter 9, but we must first revisit a few verses from earlier chapters to fully grasp the message.
The Sobering Reality of Destiny
In Ecclesiastes, Solomon often speaks of “destiny,” but not in the modern, motivational sense of achieving greatness. Instead, he uses the term to refer to the inevitable end that awaits all of us—death. Unlike the glamorous notion of fulfilling one’s destiny by reaching lofty goals, Solomon’s perspective is much more somber. He sees destiny as the final destination, a universal fate that every person shares.
In a world where motivational speakers like Tony Robbins might say, “It is your moment of decision that shapes your destiny,” Solomon offers a starkly different view: “It is in the moments of your decisions that death is shaped.” For Solomon, destiny isn’t about success or fulfillment—it’s about the unavoidable reality that death comes to all, wise and foolish, rich and poor, righteous and wicked alike.
Wrestling with Life’s Meaning
Throughout Ecclesiastes, Solomon grapples with the apparent futility of life in light of death. He questions the value of wisdom, wealth, and even morality, knowing that death is the great equalizer. In chapter 2, he wonders why one should strive for wisdom if, in the end, the wise and the foolish share the same fate. He questions the point of accumulating wealth if it will ultimately be left to others who may not appreciate or preserve it. In chapter 3, he goes so far as to ask why being human matters if we all return to dust like the animals.
Solomon’s exploration leads him to a bleak conclusion: if death is the end of everything, then life itself seems cruel and meaningless. This perspective leads to a sense of despair, where the pursuit of wisdom, wealth, and even righteousness feels futile.
The Power of Perspective
However, where Solomon goes wrong is in his view of death. How we perceive death profoundly influences how we live our lives. If we see death as the final end, the clock running out on our existence, then life becomes a race to experience as much pleasure as possible before it’s all over. This view can lead to a reckless and hedonistic lifestyle, driven by the belief that “you only live once.”
But what if death isn’t the end? What if it is merely a doorway to something greater? For those who follow Jesus, death is not a thief but a transition into eternal life. This perspective transforms how we live, motivating us to live with one eye on the present and another on the promises of God. It shifts our focus from temporary pleasures to eternal rewards.
Solomon’s Final Observations
Despite his struggles, Solomon makes three crucial observations in Ecclesiastes 9 that are still relevant today:
- Life Is in God’s Hands
Solomon reflects in Ecclesiastes 9:1 that “the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God’s hands.” This is a profound truth. No matter how unpredictable or challenging life may seem, we can take comfort in knowing that God is in control. Our lives, with all their ups and downs, are held securely in His hands. - Life Is to Be Enjoyed
In Ecclesiastes 9:7-9, Solomon encourages us to enjoy life: “Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart.” Despite his despair, Solomon recognizes that life is a gift from God, meant to be enjoyed. As followers of Jesus, we should embrace joy, laughter, and the blessings of life, knowing that our ultimate hope lies in eternity. - Life Is Unpredictable
Finally, Solomon acknowledges in Ecclesiastes 9:11 that life is unpredictable: “The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong.” Life doesn’t always go as planned, and unexpected challenges can arise. Yet, even in life’s unpredictability, God remains our constant, reliable source of strength and comfort.
Embracing Eternity
The day of our death is unknown to us, but not to God. As Psalm 139:16 reminds us, all our days are ordained by Him. For those who know Jesus, death is not the end but the beginning of eternity. It’s the transition from this life into the presence of God, where there will be no more suffering, pain, or death. This perspective is the essence of “living life backwards”—living with the end in mind, knowing that our ultimate destiny is not in this world but in the life to come.
So, while Solomon’s view of life may seem bleak at times, the truth is that for those who follow Jesus, this life is as bad as it gets. The best is yet to come. Let this eternal perspective shape how you live today, as you walk with joy, purpose, and hope in the knowledge that God has prepared something far greater for those who love Him.