- For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: -
Hey everyone, today is another wonderful milestone on Broken Wheel.
Last week, we finished chapter 2. It took us 4 and a half months and 36 posts, but we did it!
If you take out the chapter summaries, that is a total of 17,000 words! You’ve read a novella on Ecclesiastes, not exactly the most popular book in the Bible.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you! I’m thrilled to start Chapter 3 today.
Speaking of which, the next couple of weeks might get a bit repetitive.
You may be aware of this section in the book, but Chapter 3 begins with the “a time to” section.
Essentially, the next 7 verses are a time to this, and a time to that; and a time to this, a time to that. It’s a refrain that repeats itself 14 times.
Now, Broken Wheel is an in depth look at the Bible. We’re not going to shortchange truth just because it’s repetitive.
That being said, I don’t know exactly how I’m going to tackle these next verses. Maybe we go half a verse, verse, or 2 verses at a time? A mixture of all 3?
It’ll mostly depend on the content, and I promise to respect your intellect and time.
That being said, let’s dive into today’s verse! Like my above ramblings, it’s the introduction to the next several verses.
This feels a bit strange, right? Wasn’t Solomon depressed in the previous chapter? Why is he now talking about seasons and times?
Well, Solomon is wrestling with a lot of ideas such as the arguments introduced by the outside debater at the end of chapter 2, the knowledge he has of God’s purpose, and his experience.
In a sense, he is looking back at the debater and saying, “Yes, God gives us feasting and enjoyment, but are there not times for all good and bad things? Who gives the bad?”
Subtle, sure.
I think many people read this verse and believe this points to God’s orchestration of the universe. That pencil that fell off your desk? Perfect timing by an all-knowing God.
Many of the commentaries I read agree with this notion, adding to its strength as an interpretation.
Which is why I would love to introduce you all to two of my favorite verses in the Bible.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Philippians 1:6 – And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Now, what do these two verses have in common?
They are both an Old and New Testament promise of the same idea. Hold yourself to God, and His plan will come to fruition in your life.
You must not lean on your own understanding. You must have faith in Christ. These are the prerequisites to being brought into His Purposes.
Did you catch it? The orchestration is real, therefore prepare your heart.
Is there a plan for the universe? Yes. Can you know it and act in concert with it? Yes.
Can you act against it? To the detriment of your soul.
In summary, this verse invokes three ideas, God’s will, acting in accordance with that will, and forcing our own destiny.
As we look through these next verses, look for when these concepts show themselves.