• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"A time to heal"

Text: Ecclesiastes 3:3

OBSERVATIONS OF LIFE I

Solomon was a careful observer of life and its many facets. His observations need to be carefully understood.

“A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
And a time to build up.”
Ecclesiastes 3:3

1. A series of antithetical statements are constructed

a) The first statement may be negative.

b) The second statement offers the positive balance.

2. Life tends to have this “balance”

a) The negative aspects are sometimes painful to bear.

b) The positive aspect must be given due consideration to provide a balance in life.

3. “A time to kill”

a) Killing

i) Solomon is not endorsing killing in any way.

ii) His observations included observations about “killing”.

b) Killing takes place in life.

i) In the animal kingdom, animals kill for food.

ii) Accidents can cause a person to be killed.

iii) Murder can also occur.

c) Culling

i) Nature has its own way of ensuring control over its species.

ii) Man also exercises the act of culling in animal husbandry.

d) Killing (Death in view)

i) It is a sobering reality.

ii) It can be traumatic.

iii) It is to be understood.

4. “A time to heal”

a) Thank God there is a balance.

b) Life cannot be all negative.

c) God provides a time for healing to take place.

d) The following may be found in the healing process:

i) Comfort

ii) Peace

iii) Understanding

iv) Acceptance of loss

v) Wisdom

vi) Maturity

vii) Growth in faith

5. “A time to break down”

a) Everything in life faces the possibility of a “break down”.

i) A kingdom

ii) A company

iii) Even a family

b) Every precaution must be taken.

i) If possible, to prevent a drastic “break down”.

ii) If not, to cushion the “break down”.

iii) This possibility must be understood and managed carefully.

iv) Severe losses can hurt very deeply.

6. A time to build up

a) This is the positive counterpart.

b) We must endeavour to use all resources to “build up”.

i) To learn from mistakes.

ii) To consider how things can be salvaged.

iii) To look at the possibility of doing something new.

iv) It will take time and courage.

v) It will take faith and courage.

vi) God’s grace and strength may be sought and found.