He has made
everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of
men, yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Eccl. 3:11
Lesson 4: Life under the sun is a mystery.
We do not know what God is doing. We would like to; sometimes, we even
pretend that we do. However, Solomon assures us that we can’t fathom either the
fullness or the intricacy of His plan. The Teacher’s final truth for us is to
accept and rest in that mystery.
Solomon tells us that “everything
is beautiful in its time.” Perhaps your time is anything but beautiful just
now. However, the word often translated “beautiful” here in the NIV is also
translated, in other highly reliable versions, “appropriate.” We think of
beauty as a subjective judgment; what we personally find pleasing and
delightful. The beauty that Solomon speaks of is the beauty of exactly the
right thing. And, of course, it is exactly right because it is in accordance
with God’s plan.
Since God has set eternity in our hearts we have longings and needs that only eternal things can satisfy.
But we try. And in the trying we attempt to make people or things that were
intended to be the best gift for a specific season fill the eternal void God
placed in us.
That is why Solomon reminds us that neither the physical world nor the
human mind are ultimately helpful guides in understanding God and His plan.
They are single, isolated pieces of the puzzle where the puzzle is 5000 pieces
and the picture on the box is missing. But, be assured, there is a picture!
Now let’s circle back to the beginning of the week: This year I will
celebrate the highly-acclaimed three score and ten. In the last few years, I
have said farewell to my parents as well as welcoming ten grand-children. I
have lived in many places and made friends in each of them. Together my husband
and I have cleaned out four homes and disposed of three generations of family belongings.
I understand the sadness that comes with loss, and the regret of missed
opportunities and misplaced priorities, even as I stand amazed at God’s grace
to me when I have so clearly and so often missed the mark.
What Solomon’s words remind me to do is to dig in to today. By faith,
today is all we have and all we need. Whatever this day brings, God intends it
for our good and our growth. Seek the contentment and joy of this day as
“beautiful” gifts from the Hand of God. Accept both the tasks and challenges
that are placed before you as the means He is using to accomplish your eternal sanctification
– because I can assure you, they are.
Nancy Shirah
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