Ecclesiastes 12
Old man Solomon has looked back on life and concludes that without God everything is just meaningless.
He has it all, has experienced probably everything and knows more than everyone. However, it is meaningless.
The whole duty of man, the meaning of life, the purpose to it all comes down to 2 things: to Fear God and keep His commandments, v13.
It is as simple as this. But ever since, the Church in particular has thrown all its energy into making this as complicated and unachievable as possible.
So man has been taught a scary God who has created a hell for all the disobedient. Man has been taught not just 10 but 10 times the many commandments that appear throughout the ongoing generations and cultures.
A mild-mannered man was reading a book on being self-assertive and decided to start at home. So he stormed into his house, pointed a finger in his wife’s face, and said, “From now on I’m boss around here and my word is law! I want you to prepare me a gourmet meal and draw my bath. Then, when I’ve eaten and finished my bath, guess who’s going to dress me and comb my hair.” “The mortician,” replied his wife.
Is God this horrible husband who just orders his wife around and demands for her to be at his service? Everyone has met someone who tries to rule with this kind of fear. This is not the kind of fear we should have of God. The word means “to stand in awe of, to reverence, honour and respect.”
Here is what I have come to understand:
Fear is to believe He exists when it looks like He doesn’t.
Fear is to know I am a continuous sinner who is continually forgiven.
Fear is to worship a personal God who speaks to me but who is far off.
Fear is to love what he loves not what He hates and hate what He hates not what He loves.
Fear is found in the contradiction.
Have you been to the symbol of this contradiction?
Missions Paul 