Read Ecclesiastes 1:4–11
Questions from the Scripture text: How do generations compare to the earth (v4)? What is the sun doing all this time (v5)? And the wind (v6)? And the rivers (v7)? What does v8 conclude? How much labor? What will the future be like (v9)? Why? What rhetorical question does v10a–b ask? What does v10c answer? What lasting impact does man make (v11)?
How does man compare to the creation as a whole? Ecclesiastes 1:4–11 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that man’s life is brief and unimpactful, by comparison to the creation as a whole.
Man’s life under the sun is so temporary (v4a), like the mist from v1.
This is especially true when compared to the enduring nature of even the fallen creation.
The earth abides (v4b).
The sun eagerly and perpetually fulfills its duties (v5, cf. Ps 19:4–6).
How humiliating to mankind that even the wind is more enduring than he is, never used up (v6), as are the waters (v7).
The whole creation does its thing with such a fullness that man’s mouth (v8b), eye (v8c), and ear (v8d) can’t quite keep up.
As for man, he finds it impossible to make his mark. He himself doesn’t endure, and all of his work just reduplicates what others have done and will do (v10) in a way that won’t even be ultimately memorable (v11).
Ecclesiastes is going to provide a solution from “above the sun” that will give meaning and value even to what man does and enjoys “under the sun.”
And recognizing the challenge that the brevity of our life presents will prepare us to receive the book’s wonderful answer in our God and His gospel.
When have you most felt the reality of the brevity of this life in this world? To what realities does this passage direct you to drive home this point? What use are you making of these realities? How does this cure you of the desire to make an unique impact, rather than a compounding and enduring impact upon the following generation? By what sorts of activities does the Lord give you to make this compounding and enduring impact?
Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for creating us in Your image, and giving to us such a special place among Your creatures. But we also thank You that You have made the creation to endure in such a way that drives home to us the brevity of our life. Grant that we might offer our bodies to You as living sacrifices, and that when we come to stated times of worship, we would rejoice to find purpose and pleasure in You, Who are above the sun. So by Your Spirit, help us to worship You through Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP90B “O Teach Us How to Count Our Days” or TPH222 “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”
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