Ecclesiastes 8-9  The Preacher continues to struggle with what he considers the futility of life.  It is good to have wisdom and to do what is right.. but in the end.. does it make any difference?  "No man has authority to restrain the wind with the wind, or authority over the day of death; and there is no discharge in the time of war, and evil will not deliver those who practice it." (v8) 

Sinners seem to prosper.  Righteous men seem to suffer.  Wisdom doesn't fully satisfy... so "eat.. drink.. and be merry". 

Jesus used these very same words in the parable of the rich man found in Luke 12... noting the Lord's response to such and attitude.. . "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?'" The lesson Jesus is teaching is about trusting God and not your "treasures".  For "life is more than food, and the body more than clothing... but seek for His kingdom... "  Treasures in heaven are unfailing. Treasures on earth are.. like the Preacher says, "Vanity". 

We are "in the hand of God" the Preacher says, "It is the same for all."  One fate.. one end.. one life...  The writer of Hebrews said, "And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after that comes the judgement... " The Preacher makes this point.. "man does not know his time.. "  So,"whatever you hand finds to do, verily do it with all your might for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going."  Paul echoed this in Col. 3:23  adding a wonderful word of hope... "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve." 

What can we take from these chapters today?  Life is in God's hands. We do not know how many days He will give us.  We cannot control it.  We can choose to live each day to the full for the glory of our God, whom we serve.  We can take a hard look at ourselves.. what are we striving after?  Is there any value in it?  Does it serve Jesus? Where is my treasure ?

Father in heaven, how we need Your grace and mercy every day!  Praise God that You are faithful and Your mercies are new every morning.  Thank You that our lives are safe inYour Hands. We are Your children and we are loved by You.  We fall short of all that we would like to be and do.. yet You have made us complete in Christ our Lord. Thank You! We stand in His righteousness and proclaim His holy name! Whatever You have for us today.. may we serve You with all our hearts and minds and strength by the power of Your Spirit who lives in us.. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.