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"This is the gift of God"

Text: Ecclesiastes 5:19

GOD’S GRACIOUS GIFTS

Solomon finds himself inevitably drawn to God’s involvement in human affairs. To exclude God would truly end with “vanity of vanities”.

“As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth,
and given him power to eat of it,
to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labour—
this is the gift of God.
For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life,
because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.”
Ecclesiastes 5:19-20

1. “As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth”

a) Riches and wealth are associated with God.

b) It is the Lord’s gift to every man.

i) This does not mean that the individual does not work.

ii) Hard and diligent work still need to be put in.

2. “And given him power to eat of it”

a) This part is often not fully appreciated.

b) God’s power is given to man graciously.

c) We take eating for granted.

d) Just to eat involves the “power” of God.

e) A person who is recovering from a major illness will be able to testify of God’s power (and grace) just to be able to eat.

3. “To receive his heritage and rejoice in his labour”

a) The heritage of God was already mentioned earlier (Ecclesiastes 5:18).

b) This heritage is received with understanding and gratitude.

4. “This is the gift of God”

a) This heritage is indeed to be appreciated as a gift of God.

b) This consciousness of God is to be deeply appreciated.

c) The blessings of God are to be treasured.

5. “For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart”

a) “Dwell unduly on the days of his life”

i) This will lead to worrying.

ii) It leads to sorrow.

iii) It can end up with depression.

b) “God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart”

i) Joy is a wonderful gift from God.

ii) Joy can keep the heart so busy that worrying does not happen at all.