Ecclesiastes 11 - Capitol Commission
Tuesday, 21st of March 2017
Capitol Commission Georgia
Simplifying Life
Ron J. Bigalke, Ph.D. P.O. Box 244, Rincon, GA 31326-‐0244 (912) 659-‐4212 [email protected]
CAPITOL BIBLE STUDY 154 th General Assembly
• TUESDAY @ 7:30 AM in 123 CAP • TUESDAY @ 12 NOON in 123 CAP
Capitol Commission Bible Studies are held every Tuesday. The weekly Bible study is nonpartisan and non-denominational. We are studying the book of Ecclesiastes during the 2017 legislative session, and will continue every week on Tuesday. Two opportunities are available for Bible study and prayer: (1) a legislative fellowship time of pastoral counsel and prayer from 7:308:00am in 123 CAP; and, (2) an open-to-all Bible study from 12:0012:45pm in 123 CAP (where ministry sponsors provide lunch). I pray that this study will be edifying to you. My sole intent in this ministry is to serve you, and to be a resource to you for pastoral care, counsel, and prayer. Please accept my study in the Word of God, as evidence of my desire to serve you. – Dr. Ron J. Bigalke, Georgia State Minister, Capitol Commission
Capitol Commission Bible Studies are
Tuesday, 21 March 2017 Ecclesiastes 11 – “Simplifying Life” The story is told of an elderly gentleman who loved to play golf, yet he was almost eighty, and his eyesight was failing. Friends always joined him on the course and would help watch his ball to tell him where it landed. His buddies did not appear on a particular day, which was unfortunate because it was a beautiful day for playing golf. Realizing his chances to play a round were fading, the man became more upset while waiting at the clubhouse. Another elderly gentleman saw him and asked, “What is wrong?” The man explained his dilemma: “I was anticipating playing golf today, but I do not see very well anymore, so I need someone to watch the ball after I hit it.” The second man was even older than the first, yet he said, “No problem. I will be glad to ride with you. I have 20/20 vision and can see like a hawk. You just hit the ball, and I will watch it fly down the fairway.” The two men arrived at the first tee, and the elderly man hit the ball directly on the center so it soared down the fairway. Turning to his spotter, the man playing asked, “Did you see it?”
The other man replied, “I saw it the entire time until it stopped rolling.” “Where did it go?” The older man paused for a moment and then said, “I forgot” (adapted from Tommy Nelson, A Life Well Lived [Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2005] 173-74). Prepare all you want yet even the most perfectly designed plans may not always come to fruition. Can we perhaps live with assurance knowing that our best plans may not manifest as we anticipated? Ecclesiastes 11 encourages us live confidently while accommodating the element of uncertainty. In other words, you cannot disengage because life does not cooperate as expected. Do not impede blessings merely because you cannot avoid the risks. Do not avoid new experiences simply because challenges may arise. Matthew 6:25-34 – “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life. . . . “And who of you by being worried, can add a single hour to his life. . . ? “For . . . your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Life is uncertain yet with it comes maturity, opportunity, and perspective. When you and I live and make decisions with confidence, we can achieve our greatest potential. Ecclesiastes 11 demonstrates how to simplify our lives by knowing how to focus energy and time upon what can be managed.
THE ROLE OF DILIGENCE (Eccl 11:1-6) Several exhortations that are given in Ecclesiastes 11 assume the form of proverbial sayings. For example, verse 1 reads, “Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days.” The practice refers to ancient business ventures wherein grain was sent across the waters in hopes of it being traded. Crops were harvested and sent with the hope that one would receive a dividend. Some grain may be lost on the waters, yet ultimately the investor will receive more than bread alone. If someone adopts too many precautions, such procedure can result in more harm over time than taking calculated risks. Live boldly and fearlessly in a life that is impossible to control always. Fear will cripple an existence. King Solomon possessed a fleet of merchant ships that enabled him to amass tremendous wealth (1 Kgs 9:26-28). Keeping ships in his harbor would be safe, yet Solomon knew that is not the purpose for them. Similarly, life involves acting in faith if you hope to achieve anything. Limiting yourself due to perceived risk may lead to further disaster; consequently, God must be trusted to provide guidance in several endeavors (Ps 121:3-8; Prov 3:5-6; Jer 29:11; Matt 6:25-34; Phil 4:6-7; Heb 11:6; 1 Pet 5:7). The necessity of trust in God is especially in terms of hearing and heeding God’s Word because the results are not always immediate, yet the eventual harvest is certain.
Capitol Commission Bible Studies Tuesday (21st of March) – Prayer Meeting – @ 7:30am – 8:00am, 123 CAP
Tuesday (21st of March) – Bible Study – @ 12 Noon – 12:45pm, 123 CAP (friend sponsorship of Capitol Commission Georgia by McGuireWoods)
Tuesday, 21 March 2017
Life must be balanced for living boldly does not mean being foolish. With the exception of God’s promises, nothing is certain in life thus one cannot risk everything. Scripture warns, “Divide your portion . . . for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth” (Eccl 11:2). The principle of diversification means that we prepare – with the best of the abilities and gifts that God grants – to make decisions with conviction and known information so that risks will yield reward. Be bold yet wise because life can surprise us.
not yet experiencing “the days of darkness” (v. 8; cf. 7:1-6). Every day can be joyful, as the wise person lives rejoicing in the present time yet also realizes life’s brevity and uncertainty (cf. 5:20; 7:10).
BE BOLD YET WISE BECAUSE LIFE CAN SURPRISE US.
Dividing (v. 2) is equivalent to investing in God, who is the supreme assurance for the future. The clouds full of water and the pouring rain upon the earth (v. 3) symbolize that certain things are inevitable. Wisdom is being able to distinguish between those dynamics that cannot be changed and those factors that can. Due to the uncertainty of life and because some people want to control all aspects of their lives, individuals can be tempted to do nothing without absolute certainty (vv. 3-6), which is a type of passivity that can be disastrous. One will always fail to receive God’s blessing by doing nothing.
Be bold in enjoying life now (beginning with the present) yet also recognize “God will bring you to judgment” so live with the virtues of holiness and wisdom. God wants his people to enjoy life by following the impulses of their heart and the desires of their eyes (11:9), which are not an encouragement to embrace a life of hedonism; rather, it is to develop the maturity and wisdom to relish and traverse life before the time is too late. The only capacity for truly enjoying life is within the context of wisdom, and because that pleasure also occurs within the context of holiness, it means that sinful people cannot ultimately have fun because life will sting one day (cf. 1 Cor 15:55). Therefore, develop an intimate relationship with God – through Jesus Christ – that will allow you to maximize enjoyment and minimize “pain from your body” (11:10). You cannot enjoy life if you are constantly apprehensive. Have fun within the context of holiness and wisdom because life is “fleeting.” Live in such a manner that others enjoy your company, and accomplish that goal by removing “grief and anger from your heart” (v. 10).
Being too cautious does not accomplish anything because there are always some “wind” and “clouds” (v. 4). The person who waits for certainty will wait indefinitely. Nevertheless, caution is prudent to impart (with any and all advice in a situation) because many circumstances demand more information as the wise and practical approach. Acting impulsively can result in profound troubles.
The intimacy that you develop with God from the study of his Word, the Holy Bible (particularly the eternal perspective that the book of Ecclesiastes provides), will nurture convictions that will serve you well throughout the legislative session and grant you spiritual stability that results from walking faithfully with the Lord so you can overcome any future challenges that arise with the passing of time.
. . . CONSIDER THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD FOR ULTIMATELY HE MAKES “EVERYTHING APPROPRIATE IN ITS TIME. . . .”
Thank you for allowing Capitol Commission the nobility in providing Bible studies to you. If we can serve you in any manner, please talk with us, or contact by email or phone.
Capitol Commission’s mission is to provide a pastoral presence in the capitol communities of our nation. In these communities, we purpose to reach every person with the gospel of Jesus Christ, to disciple them, and prepare them for a lifetime of ministry in whatever arena God chooses to place them. Capitol Commission is not a lobbying group; rather, our mandate is to see the hearts and lives of the entire capitol community transformed by the Word of God. In the Bible, we see God’s great love for the world, especially for those who have been placed in authority. The love of God and the Word of God is the foundation for ministry to you. Romans 10-14-15 affirms, “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent. . . ?” Please notice the reverse progression. If we desire anyone, including our government leaders, to (5) call upon the Lord and to seek Him and his Word for life decisions, they must prior to that (4) believe in Him, which means they must previously have (3) heard the Word of God, which means prior to that someone needs to (2) preach to them, which requires that others have first (1) sent someone. Capitol Commission is committed to the second part: preaching (proclaiming) the good news of salvation, yet this cannot occur without someone doing the first part: sending. All funding and prayer for this work comes from people who want the light of the gospel of God’s grace brought into our State Capitol. As you do #1 and we do #2, we can rejoice together as the Lord accomplishes in the Capitol what only He can produce in someone: #3, #4, and #5. What an exciting co-mission! Please join us in this ministry!
THE ROLE OF BOLDNESS (Eccl 11:7-10) The concluding verses include the recommendation to enjoy life (vv. 7-10) yet “remember also your Creator” (12:1). While the initial words may appear to focus upon the young (11:9-10; 12:1), the admonition to one who “should live many years” (11:8) demonstrates that no age is excluded. In spite of life’s uncertainties, it is still “pleasant” and “good” (11:7). The day (“light,” v. 7) is a time of gladness. The idea of “light” involves more than mere physical reality for it includes the joy from
Bible study copies made by:
this week’s Bible studies sponsored by:
About Capitol Commission
Moreover, a person does not always understand what God does or why He does it (v. 5). Scripture advises to schedule our day with all manner of productive work because we never know when or how God may bless our efforts. Begin “in the morning” for the “night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). The admonition to work diligently does not advocate a reckless workaholism (Eccl 11:6; cf. 4:6); rather, such counsel must consider the sovereignty of God for ultimately He makes “everything appropriate in its time” (3:11). God is the one who empowers his people to enjoy the benefits of their labor (2:24-26; 3:13; 5:18-20; cf. 6:1-9). Make your ventures with boldness by letting God’s sovereignty be a comfort not an excuse.
NEXT CAPITOL COMMISSION BIBLE STUDIES: Tuesday, 28th of March @ 7:30am in 123 CAP; and again (with lunch) @ 12 NOON in 123 CAP
Capitol Commission Georgia
Simplifying Life
Ron J. Bigalke, Ph.D. P.O. Box 244, Rincon, GA 31326-‐0244 (912) 659-‐4212 [email protected]
CAPITOL BIBLE STUDY 154 th General Assembly
• TUESDAY @ 7:30 AM in 123 CAP • TUESDAY @ 12 NOON in 123 CAP
Capitol Commission Bible Studies are held every Tuesday. The weekly Bible study is nonpartisan and non-denominational. We are studying the book of Ecclesiastes during the 2017 legislative session, and will continue every week on Tuesday. Two opportunities are available for Bible study and prayer: (1) a legislative fellowship time of pastoral counsel and prayer from 7:308:00am in 123 CAP; and, (2) an open-to-all Bible study from 12:0012:45pm in 123 CAP (where ministry sponsors provide lunch). I pray that this study will be edifying to you. My sole intent in this ministry is to serve you, and to be a resource to you for pastoral care, counsel, and prayer. Please accept my study in the Word of God, as evidence of my desire to serve you. – Dr. Ron J. Bigalke, Georgia State Minister, Capitol Commission
Capitol Commission Bible Studies are
Tuesday, 21 March 2017 Ecclesiastes 11 – “Simplifying Life” The story is told of an elderly gentleman who loved to play golf, yet he was almost eighty, and his eyesight was failing. Friends always joined him on the course and would help watch his ball to tell him where it landed. His buddies did not appear on a particular day, which was unfortunate because it was a beautiful day for playing golf. Realizing his chances to play a round were fading, the man became more upset while waiting at the clubhouse. Another elderly gentleman saw him and asked, “What is wrong?” The man explained his dilemma: “I was anticipating playing golf today, but I do not see very well anymore, so I need someone to watch the ball after I hit it.” The second man was even older than the first, yet he said, “No problem. I will be glad to ride with you. I have 20/20 vision and can see like a hawk. You just hit the ball, and I will watch it fly down the fairway.” The two men arrived at the first tee, and the elderly man hit the ball directly on the center so it soared down the fairway. Turning to his spotter, the man playing asked, “Did you see it?”
The other man replied, “I saw it the entire time until it stopped rolling.” “Where did it go?” The older man paused for a moment and then said, “I forgot” (adapted from Tommy Nelson, A Life Well Lived [Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2005] 173-74). Prepare all you want yet even the most perfectly designed plans may not always come to fruition. Can we perhaps live with assurance knowing that our best plans may not manifest as we anticipated? Ecclesiastes 11 encourages us live confidently while accommodating the element of uncertainty. In other words, you cannot disengage because life does not cooperate as expected. Do not impede blessings merely because you cannot avoid the risks. Do not avoid new experiences simply because challenges may arise. Matthew 6:25-34 – “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life. . . . “And who of you by being worried, can add a single hour to his life. . . ? “For . . . your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Life is uncertain yet with it comes maturity, opportunity, and perspective. When you and I live and make decisions with confidence, we can achieve our greatest potential. Ecclesiastes 11 demonstrates how to simplify our lives by knowing how to focus energy and time upon what can be managed.
THE ROLE OF DILIGENCE (Eccl 11:1-6) Several exhortations that are given in Ecclesiastes 11 assume the form of proverbial sayings. For example, verse 1 reads, “Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days.” The practice refers to ancient business ventures wherein grain was sent across the waters in hopes of it being traded. Crops were harvested and sent with the hope that one would receive a dividend. Some grain may be lost on the waters, yet ultimately the investor will receive more than bread alone. If someone adopts too many precautions, such procedure can result in more harm over time than taking calculated risks. Live boldly and fearlessly in a life that is impossible to control always. Fear will cripple an existence. King Solomon possessed a fleet of merchant ships that enabled him to amass tremendous wealth (1 Kgs 9:26-28). Keeping ships in his harbor would be safe, yet Solomon knew that is not the purpose for them. Similarly, life involves acting in faith if you hope to achieve anything. Limiting yourself due to perceived risk may lead to further disaster; consequently, God must be trusted to provide guidance in several endeavors (Ps 121:3-8; Prov 3:5-6; Jer 29:11; Matt 6:25-34; Phil 4:6-7; Heb 11:6; 1 Pet 5:7). The necessity of trust in God is especially in terms of hearing and heeding God’s Word because the results are not always immediate, yet the eventual harvest is certain.
Capitol Commission Bible Studies Tuesday (21st of March) – Prayer Meeting – @ 7:30am – 8:00am, 123 CAP
Tuesday (21st of March) – Bible Study – @ 12 Noon – 12:45pm, 123 CAP (friend sponsorship of Capitol Commission Georgia by McGuireWoods)
Tuesday, 21 March 2017
Life must be balanced for living boldly does not mean being foolish. With the exception of God’s promises, nothing is certain in life thus one cannot risk everything. Scripture warns, “Divide your portion . . . for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth” (Eccl 11:2). The principle of diversification means that we prepare – with the best of the abilities and gifts that God grants – to make decisions with conviction and known information so that risks will yield reward. Be bold yet wise because life can surprise us.
not yet experiencing “the days of darkness” (v. 8; cf. 7:1-6). Every day can be joyful, as the wise person lives rejoicing in the present time yet also realizes life’s brevity and uncertainty (cf. 5:20; 7:10).
BE BOLD YET WISE BECAUSE LIFE CAN SURPRISE US.
Dividing (v. 2) is equivalent to investing in God, who is the supreme assurance for the future. The clouds full of water and the pouring rain upon the earth (v. 3) symbolize that certain things are inevitable. Wisdom is being able to distinguish between those dynamics that cannot be changed and those factors that can. Due to the uncertainty of life and because some people want to control all aspects of their lives, individuals can be tempted to do nothing without absolute certainty (vv. 3-6), which is a type of passivity that can be disastrous. One will always fail to receive God’s blessing by doing nothing.
Be bold in enjoying life now (beginning with the present) yet also recognize “God will bring you to judgment” so live with the virtues of holiness and wisdom. God wants his people to enjoy life by following the impulses of their heart and the desires of their eyes (11:9), which are not an encouragement to embrace a life of hedonism; rather, it is to develop the maturity and wisdom to relish and traverse life before the time is too late. The only capacity for truly enjoying life is within the context of wisdom, and because that pleasure also occurs within the context of holiness, it means that sinful people cannot ultimately have fun because life will sting one day (cf. 1 Cor 15:55). Therefore, develop an intimate relationship with God – through Jesus Christ – that will allow you to maximize enjoyment and minimize “pain from your body” (11:10). You cannot enjoy life if you are constantly apprehensive. Have fun within the context of holiness and wisdom because life is “fleeting.” Live in such a manner that others enjoy your company, and accomplish that goal by removing “grief and anger from your heart” (v. 10).
Being too cautious does not accomplish anything because there are always some “wind” and “clouds” (v. 4). The person who waits for certainty will wait indefinitely. Nevertheless, caution is prudent to impart (with any and all advice in a situation) because many circumstances demand more information as the wise and practical approach. Acting impulsively can result in profound troubles.
The intimacy that you develop with God from the study of his Word, the Holy Bible (particularly the eternal perspective that the book of Ecclesiastes provides), will nurture convictions that will serve you well throughout the legislative session and grant you spiritual stability that results from walking faithfully with the Lord so you can overcome any future challenges that arise with the passing of time.
. . . CONSIDER THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD FOR ULTIMATELY HE MAKES “EVERYTHING APPROPRIATE IN ITS TIME. . . .”
Thank you for allowing Capitol Commission the nobility in providing Bible studies to you. If we can serve you in any manner, please talk with us, or contact by email or phone.
Capitol Commission’s mission is to provide a pastoral presence in the capitol communities of our nation. In these communities, we purpose to reach every person with the gospel of Jesus Christ, to disciple them, and prepare them for a lifetime of ministry in whatever arena God chooses to place them. Capitol Commission is not a lobbying group; rather, our mandate is to see the hearts and lives of the entire capitol community transformed by the Word of God. In the Bible, we see God’s great love for the world, especially for those who have been placed in authority. The love of God and the Word of God is the foundation for ministry to you. Romans 10-14-15 affirms, “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent. . . ?” Please notice the reverse progression. If we desire anyone, including our government leaders, to (5) call upon the Lord and to seek Him and his Word for life decisions, they must prior to that (4) believe in Him, which means they must previously have (3) heard the Word of God, which means prior to that someone needs to (2) preach to them, which requires that others have first (1) sent someone. Capitol Commission is committed to the second part: preaching (proclaiming) the good news of salvation, yet this cannot occur without someone doing the first part: sending. All funding and prayer for this work comes from people who want the light of the gospel of God’s grace brought into our State Capitol. As you do #1 and we do #2, we can rejoice together as the Lord accomplishes in the Capitol what only He can produce in someone: #3, #4, and #5. What an exciting co-mission! Please join us in this ministry!
THE ROLE OF BOLDNESS (Eccl 11:7-10) The concluding verses include the recommendation to enjoy life (vv. 7-10) yet “remember also your Creator” (12:1). While the initial words may appear to focus upon the young (11:9-10; 12:1), the admonition to one who “should live many years” (11:8) demonstrates that no age is excluded. In spite of life’s uncertainties, it is still “pleasant” and “good” (11:7). The day (“light,” v. 7) is a time of gladness. The idea of “light” involves more than mere physical reality for it includes the joy from
Bible study copies made by:
this week’s Bible studies sponsored by:
About Capitol Commission
Moreover, a person does not always understand what God does or why He does it (v. 5). Scripture advises to schedule our day with all manner of productive work because we never know when or how God may bless our efforts. Begin “in the morning” for the “night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). The admonition to work diligently does not advocate a reckless workaholism (Eccl 11:6; cf. 4:6); rather, such counsel must consider the sovereignty of God for ultimately He makes “everything appropriate in its time” (3:11). God is the one who empowers his people to enjoy the benefits of their labor (2:24-26; 3:13; 5:18-20; cf. 6:1-9). Make your ventures with boldness by letting God’s sovereignty be a comfort not an excuse.
NEXT CAPITOL COMMISSION BIBLE STUDIES: Tuesday, 28th of March @ 7:30am in 123 CAP; and again (with lunch) @ 12 NOON in 123 CAP
