Daily Devotions
Ecclesiastes
"The living know that they will die"
Text: Ecclesiastes 9:5
NO NEED TO FEAR DEATH
Some fear speaking of Death. Mention of this tends to bring out many different responses, some positive, but others negative. Solomon delved into the study of this subject especially, even though each discussion left him feeling somewhat frustrated and empty.
“For the living know that they will die;
But the dead know nothing,
And they have no more reward,
For the memory of them is forgotten.”
Ecclesiastes 9:5
1. “For the living know that they will die”
a) The most basic of knowledge must be established.
b) The living must know that they will die one day.
2. This knowledge does not have to be entirely negative
a) Knowing that Death will come, can help a person to live better.
b) He can enjoy the life he has in the present moment.
c) He can make his life purposeful and fruitful.
d) He will not waste time pursuing things that are empty and vain.
3. “But the dead know nothing”
a) This was written deliberately.
b) This was written in stark contrast to “the living”.
i) The living “knows”.
ii) The dead “knows nothing”.
4. “And they have no more reward”
a) The living works hard knowing that there might be a reward at the end.
b) The dead cannot appreciate any reward.
c) A posthumous reward means absolutely nothing to the dead.
5. “For the memory of them is forgotten”
a) The dead may sometimes be remembered.
b) But with the passing of time, the memory of the dead would be forgotten totally.
c) This is a sad reality.
A CHALLENGE TO THE LIVING
1. Let us make every day count for something.
2. Let us bestir ourselves to live for the Lord meaningfully.
3. This life is to be treasured while we still have it.