“What do workers gain from their toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.” Ecclesiastes 3:9-14 NIV
Everlasting God,
The person writing this is struggling to find the meaning of life and yes I too ask the big questions even if I find no absolute answer! We are free to ask. There are not always answers in the here and now. But one thing is for certain the writer is down but not out. His faith is still in You, You are not the question. He is standing, searching for understanding about wisdom, pleasure, and possessions. In the end he seems to discover that amidst it all we should find joy this life, the one that God has given us (verse 13).
Right in the middle He says You, God have made everything beautiful in its time. This is a difficult verse. Sometimes I can glimpse that when in hindsight I see Your hand at work even in the tough times. Or when I see creation and glimpse what it would have been like without sin and the fall. Then I see You have made something beautiful come from the death of Your Son. You have set eternity in our hearts.
The things we blame You for , call acts of God, aren’t they a result of our rebellion and sin? How can we blame You for accidents? One man’s craving glory, power, or wealth causes so much pain and mess to so many people.
We too struggle sometimes to find You, God making things beautiful. We cling to the ugliness of the cross for the most beautiful miracle of all. The song of salvation, redemption and Your (a Father’s) love.
Help us glimpse miracles and Your hand of compassion at work even where manor women is at their worst.
And eternity? You will make it beautiful in its time. There is no doubt. You are God and the kingdom of the world will become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and He will reign for ever and ever (Revelation 11:15). Help us see.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Everlasting God,
For our family, friends, neighbours. To know, see Your beauty, healing and blessing in their lives.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. To be able to share Your beauty with those they meet.
For our neighbourhood, for families and individuals to want to find Christ in their lives.
For the Royal family. Good health and relationships. Opportunity for healing family ties.
For our nation and the members yet to be elected to Parliament.
For preparations for the Olympics in Paris and all those competing for good health.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. Lasting solutions for the good of all.
For families torn apart by war, disputes or broken relationships. Heal scars, wounds. Make a way.
For Ukraine, those living there or abroad. A mighty move of Your Spirit to end war, soon.
For beauty to shine and bless every heart in every church service in every country today.
For those angry at You God, blaming You, to have a breakthrough and find healing and hope.
For us a day to keep it simple. Love the old rugged cross – but love You more. Thank You for all that is beautiful. Those people who do amazing things for the good of others and those things which are beautiful to look at. A smile, a leaf, a rich colour, a night sky, morning light, a freshly made cup of tea?
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 23rd June 2024
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross
The emblem of suffering and shame
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross
Till my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true
It’s shame and reproach gladly bear
Then he’ll call me some day to my home far away
Where his glory forever I’ll share
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross
Till my trophies at last I lay down
And I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
Lyrics: George Bennard