Good morning,
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 will be our study this week. Solomon gives us a description of what he saw in his life. Chapter 3 describes the specific periods of time during our lives. Good aspects contrasted to bad aspects. Today we look at verses 5-6.
Ecclesiastes 3:5 “A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;”
A very good example of a time to cast away stones is when you are clearing a field for cultivation. The time to gather stones is when you are building a stone house. Embracing is a way of showing passion, or affection.
When two friends meet, it is alright to embrace in greeting. The negative side of this would be under the classification of passion. It is not, however, a very nice thing for a man and a woman to passionately embrace in public.
Ecclesiastes 3:6 “A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;”
Material things have been put on the earth for the use of mankind. One of the most vivid Scriptures about getting and losing is in Mark 10:29-30
“And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,” “But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.”
The story of Job tells of a man who had received great wealth and blessings from God. Satan caused Job to lose them. God gave twice as many blessings back to Job, when he proved faithful.
There are a number of things we are admonished to keep. The most important of all, is keep the faith. We should cast our cares upon Jesus. We must cast off our sins and idols of this world.
As we meditate on these verses, think about what it means to serve God. What are our stumbling blocks, things or ideas we embrace, material things that hinder us from serving God, and the areas in our lives that need to be cast away. Are our lives totally surrendered to God?
These are important questions. Ask God and He will show you His direction for your life.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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