WEEKLY REFLECTION by Pastor Lap Dinh on Ecclesiastes‬ ‭2‬:‭24‬-‭26

“There is nothing better for a person than to eat and drink, and show himself some good in his trouble. This too I have seen, that it is from the hand of God. For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him For to a person who is good in His sight, He has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, while to the sinner He has given the task of gathering and collecting so that he may give to one who is good in God’s sight. This too is futility and striving after wind.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭2‬:‭24‬-‭26‬ ‭NASB2020

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How does one know if one's life of toiling under the sun is in futility? This passage suggests a few insights in connecting with the New Testament.

1. Without God, even the basic need of eating and enjoyment in life cannot truly be obtained, even in the light of prosperity. Money can bring abundance and momentary happiness, but not lasting joy.

2. When one is good—not by man’s ideas or worldly definitions, but in God’s sight—then His wisdom, timeless knowledge, and eternal joy will be given to those who believe, trust, obey, follow, and live in His Son, Jesus. Meanwhile, unbelievers are given the task of gathering and collecting, so that what they have may ultimately be given to those who are good in God’s sight through Jesus Christ.

“This is vanity,” cries out those who do not believe and cannot see the heavenly perspective.

Now what? Read the above again and ask yourself: In what way should I live a good life in God’s sight? (Hint: It is not by earning God’s favor through works of the law or charitable/good deeds.)