I was recently given a robot vacuum. I’ve wanted one for several years, and the first night we turned it on, my husband and I watched it whir around our living room in awe. Then it stopped abruptly, full of dust, dirt, and who knows what else. We emptied it and ran it again. Then again. We ran it twelve times before it finally seemed satiated. But then when we ran it the next night, it had to be emptied multiple times yet again.
I initially felt defeated. Foolishly, I’d imagined that this gift would mean the permanent end of my dirty floors, instead of understanding it to be a helpful tool in the inevitable. My life is one of perpetually dirty floors, of glitter shed from preschool art projects and baby food flung surprisingly far from the dining room table. There will always be dust for the Roomba at the end of each day. While I can’t stop cleaning, I’m happier when I focus my energy on the joys of the mess-makers instead of pretending like their mess can be fully avoided.
At first glance, the hopelessness of today’s passage seems almost aggressive. Like Adam after the fall (Genesis 3), we read that “all are going to the same place” (meaning we will all die), but then the author of Ecclesiastes seemingly pivots and tells us to “enjoy [our] activities’ (Ecclesiastes 3:20–22).
He tells us to enjoy this life because we know death is a part of our post-fall reality, not just in spite of it. We can’t outrun death any easier than I can outsweep dirt in my home. But if we remember to number our days, we gain wisdom (Psalm 90:12). Against the backdrop of eternity, of knowing that our time here is limited, we can rightly hold all the good and bad of this life in proper perspective.
We can enjoy the blessings in our lives without expecting them to fill us in a way they were never meant to. We can grieve, mourn, and endure pain, because we know those, too, have an expiration date. We can learn to invest our hopes in and entrust our sorrows to an eternal God who satisfies eternally.
And on this side of the cross, we know God does not leave us in dust. Death is not our permanent end. As believers, we will also bear the image of Jesus, the man of heaven (1Corinthians 15:49), whose defeat over the grave is the first taste of a future harvest when all believers will be resurrected (v.20). We know that after death we will find ourselves in the presence of the Lord, where there is abundant joy (2Corinthians 5:8) and resurrection victory over death (1Corinthians 15:57). The gospel transforms the meaning of life, and it transforms the meaning of death.
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62 thoughts on "The Mystery of Injustice and Death"
Churchmouse is correct in her writings. Of course Ecclesiates is the word of God. She is not denying it. But men and women in the Bible are not Jesus and their teachings are not equal. Jesus is God and therefore infallible. We see many men and women used by God that stumble. They are recorded for us in scripture, so that we may learn from their mistakes as well. God’s word is all true and holy. But not all of it is an example of what to do or how to think – some of it is a warning and an example of what not to do.
“Grieve with hope” I love that!
I liked in the devotional when she said “we can enjoy life because we know it ends”.
Death has been heavy this past year for so many. I am thankful we grieve with hope!
Annie & Brenda – I unfortunately also lost my Mom last year, 6 months before my wedding. I understand the roller coaster and often uninvited struggles of grief that sometimes can catch you off guard.
Prayers for comfort and grace in this time. The loss of a mother is truly one of a kind.
❤️
My father in law just passed away an hour ago and I can’t believe the timing of these words. Thank you for sharing.
Wow so beautiful! Is okay to enjoy our time here. I love knowing that God is a happy God and that all he wants for his kid is happiness.
I think for the first time I am understanding Ecclesiastes. It us not all doom and gloom. Thanks!
Today’s reading was such a blessing to me. Thank you for this.
Yolo (You Only Live Once) tells us to live life recklessly and live it at our own means. But truth is, man is destined to die once and after that judgement (Hebrews 9:27). Death is a part of every single persons’ life. However, life after death is only available to those who believe and trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior. As believers, we are called to live for God and others. Forsaking all that we have because Christ is enough. Just as pleasure is temporary in this world, pain is also temporary. But as believers, we have that eternal hope in Christ for a permanent and glorified body, ever worshipping and ever joyful with Him who redeemed us.
Amen!
This was amazing, thank you! I must admit, I’m gaining a new appreciation for Ecclesiastes.
SARAH D, what an opportunity to share with your sister (and maybe her husband) what and why you believe! Yet, I understand that it can feel overwhelming, especially that anticipation of anger or defensiveness that may rise — either in her or yourself. As others have said, of course, ongoing prayer and wisdom from the word is our greatest need to be “prepared to make a defense if anyone asks for a reason for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). Trust the Lord’s promise that “it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” (Matthew 10:20). And if there is a question or belief that your sister brings up that you don’t have an immediate understanding or answer, it is good to be honest and say something like, “That’s a good question. I’ll need some time to ponder that and get back with you.” The Lord knows your own journey of learning; he is the one to be in the yoke with and learn from him. He doesn’t expect us to know everything all at once. I’m praying the Lord will grant you the boldness to speak the truth that the disciples prayed in Acts 4:24-31, filling you with the Holy Spirit. I’d be grateful for the same prayers, sister(s)!
We may begin as dust, but we end as a glorified, spiritual, heavenly body. We are born into sin but we are raised to a new life with Jesus our Lord. We are only dust without God and His word. May we find abundant life before and after death.
❤️amen!
Good morning ladies, go to the website and you can read the devotional that way. I noticed that yesterday too. I did see that devotional posted sometime later in the day.
Of course we can, but considering that we pay for using the app it‘s a bit annoying that it doesn‘t work …
Why is the app a day behind?
Yes I wondered this too! I’m in the UK and it usually updates around 8am our time. It’s now updated much later for the last couple of days. Loving the studies though!
“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 5:8
This is our hope and eternal promise.
This was such a powerful reading, especially after the previous day, which discussed how the kingdom is spiritual rather than carnal. It really makes me think how often I’m thinking in a temporal, rather than eternal, mindset, and seeking satisfaction in earthly things that can never truly fulfill me.
Before COVID-19 I found myself striving and going so fast. I did not enjoy my work as Solomon wisely suggests. Since I’ve had to slow down I am soaking it all up. Enjoying the little things. I’m making choices and changes to continue just that and this means a lot of things will be sacrificed. But in the long run I want to enjoy what I have while I await what God has for me in eternity. ♡
That’s is really wonderful. I feel like this time has changed my mind as well and is bringing me closer to God and thinking about what is important.
Agreed. Gods given us time to see what in life is truly giving us joy. Giving us more time to focus on those joys. On him!
This is so beautiful Jessica. Much needed as I continue to struggle with grief, faith and all the things since my beloved Mom passed away last August. So comforted in this moment.
Annie – continued grace to you. I also unexpectedly lost my mom last July and each day holds new struggles. Know you are heard and seen, and not alone. ❤️
Jenna, I’m the same way. I grew up in the church and don’t know where I would be without it right now.
Sarah D., I would pray about it. I would also say how you feel but in a polite and non-forceful but informative way. Speak from your heart and soul, don’t let her intimidate you but don’t scare her off. This is just how I would do it. Like I said at the first pray about it.
Amen, Churchmouse, Angie, Blessed Beth, Amanda, Lizzie, and Maura.
Thank you guys so much for she reads truth! Jessica I thought this was so lovely and puts a lot of things in perspective for me. With COVD, this website has been such a blessing keeping me on track and even giving me a little piece of the community through the comments section. I really appreciate all you guys do it is such a blessing
Welcome, Britney! ❤️
Thank you for your prayers yesterday. My sister and I had a long conversation about a lot of different things, but the main thing I gathered is that she wants to me consider a lot of different issues like abortion, immigration, climate change, gun control, etc and hear my stance on those things. She wants us to be able to be open about those things with each other instead of only talking about superficial things. But I think my family and I have avoided it because we don’t want to get in an argument with them because we don’t agree with a lot of things they agree with . Plus on some things I’m still not form on because I haven’t researched it a lot, like climate change (and honestly I don’t like politics!) Phew. So my sister and I are going to be having talks on different topics with each other and next week we’ll be talking about faith and how hers has evolved and what she and I believe. From what she said yesterday, it sounded like she and her husband think the Bible is outdated and that you can pick and choose what to believe in it. If any of you have any advice on how to respond to this I’d definitely appreciate it! Please pray for wisdom, peace, that I wouldn’t be scared to talk with her, and that God would speak through me and he would do a heart transplant in them . Love you all! We will be talking next Wednesday most likely.
The Holy Spirit will give you the words !! Trust in Him to guide your heart so that you can reach hers!!!
Listen to understand her, not to necessarily prove anything else to her. Ask her questions. Don’t be afraid if she makes a point that makes sense but shakes your foundation a bit. God is big enough to handle all of that. And none of us have it right, truly. We all believe that our beliefs are true, but God is a mystery to even the most faithful among us. That’s why we continue to seek Him. But he doesn’t require our defense. He requires us to love others. Seek that.
Just read your comment, and I’m praying!
As I read Solomon’s observations of life under the sun from Ecclesiastes 3, I couldn’t help but feel sad. Life apart from God is so hopeless. I grew up in the church so eternity and the coming of God’s kingdom have always been a part of my understanding of the world. Today’s reading made me think about life without that understanding. Christ is the anchor for my soul and I don’t know how I would make it without him. It reminds me of Peter’s words in John 6:68, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
Welcome, Janell!
AMEN Angie!
I am new here also I found peace in the words of the Bible this morning and also in the comments left by other. Thank you for bringing joy and peace to my life this am.
Churchmouse. Thank you so much for your words. It shows how the wisest man can become confused/ deceived. Keep God and His Word and The Holy Spirit in your hearts!
Today I’m continuing to ponder in my heart that “in the place of justice, even there was wickedness, and in the place of righteousness, even there was wickedness.” There is so much injustice in this fallen world. And I’m glad that I can say in my heart, “God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work.”
In my circle of friends and acquaintances, there is much talk about conspiracy theories regarding Covid-19. Can some of it be true? Possibly, we live in a fallen wicked world. But, it’s also possible that much of the “facts” that are given by some are actually falsehoods, and accusations of conspiracy are actually slanderous.
My prayers continue to be for the Lord to be the one to expose the truth. I pray to be “the Lord’s servant who is not quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting [my] opponents with gentleness.” I pray you our God “may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2:22-26)
I don’t know how your circles are handling the “conspiracy theories”, but if they are in any way like mine, I pray for this grace of the Lord to keep yours and my hearts pure and our tongues speaking truth in love!
I awoke to a thunderstorm, a dog afraid of thunderstorms and memories of a son’s death after a thunderstorm. Then after reading “We know that after death we will find ourselves in the presence of the Lord, where there is abundant joy (2Corinthians 5:8) and resurrection victory over death (1Corinthians 15:57).” that Jessica and some of the different scripture, I need not have anything to be down and out about. I have everything to look forward to I will meet my loved ones in Heaven and my joy in the Lord is what will get me through. I need to “Let God and let go.” Have a blessed Friday and weekend my sisters in Christ.
Churchmouse. Well put!!
So much in the scripture today. again Solomon’s everything is futile, but God who sees us, saves us, walks with us. Oh how 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 brings it all in perspective. Because of Jesus we who have borne the image of dust also bear the image of heaven. How awesome is this it makes my heart burst with joy. The transforming power of God’s grace of taking what is dead and giving His light and life. What joy we have in our Lord may we hold tight to the One who holds us and sing His praise, yea shout it from the mountain tops Jesus Healer, Savior, Prince of peace Reigns! God may my life proclaim you in my actions, my thoughts and your love pour out through this broken vessel to others this I pray in Jesus name.
1 Corinthians 15:56-58,”The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
“We can learn to invest our hopes in and entrust our sorrows to an eternal God who satisfies eternally.” -Jessica Lamb
Psalm 145:16,17,21.
“You open your hand
and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways
and faithful in all his acts.”
Lord, please give me a heart that rests in the peace you have given me through Jesus. Thank you for being my satisfaction.
Collosians 1:15-17
Psalm 103:14 As a father shows compassion to His children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear Him. For He knows my frame; He remembers that we are dust.
As I was reading today’s scripture I remembered this “dust” verse.
It gives me such comfort. My Father looks on my frame and knows me – my weakness, my frailty. But He sees with compassion and such love.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
My youngest son is getting married tonight – 18 hours away. It is so hard to be apart. I homeschooled him, he did college online at home, but God in His crazy mysterious way brought him together with a beautiful Jesus girl from Texas. I am so full of joy & sorrow. It hit my son hard last night that we wouldn’t be there. But God sees, He knows, Hé is at work, writing His story through our “dusty” lives.
Congratulations Jane on gaining a daughter! It must have been so hard not to be there, even though you are looking on the bright side, I know it must have hurt your heart to miss it. So many good times ahead, and so good she Loves the Lord! Best wishes for an exciting future for your family! My niece got married the same way in TX just a few weeks ago. The only people there, in her back yard were mom and dad, bride and groom and pastor. Next year on their first anniversary they are planning a vow renewal with all the original plans and reception!
New to your community and already loving it! So much beauty and promise in these verses. A wonderful reminder this morning. Thank you❤️
What a wonderful and centering way to remind us all to enjoy the moments underneath the Sun because nothing lasts forever! Thank you.
We can enjoy abundant life here on earth NOW because we have the resurrected Christ living in us and through us! We bear HIS image! While yes, we long for Heaven when everything will be made right, God is using the messes in our life for HIS glory! He uses our brokenness to bring others to Himself because it is far easier for those who do not know the righteousness of Christ to relate to our human nature, brokenness. That is our purpose on Earth: to live for the glory of God! When we are living out of our identity IN Christ people see Him through us! We each have unique qualities that God uses to reveal Himself to others. God LOVES that we are diverse, He made us that way!
Amen to the phrase: “We can enjoy the blessings of our lives without expecting them to fill us in a way they were never meant to.” Only God truly satisfies us in this life. Happy Friday sisters!
I love how you put everything in a heavenly perspective.
https://youtu.be/bPj3Kf7Dorw
What you wrote today Jessica and what the scripture pointed us back to reminded me of this song from The Porter’s Gate. Your Labor is Not in Vain.
When worries of this world, feelings of being overwhelmed creep in, I’m so thankful for truth in scripture that brings us back to our Father.
But our citizenship is in Heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20 We, those created in the image of God, are here on this earth to show God’s Love. To delight in His gifts. To grow closer to Him and long for Him. Days seem long and trials are many, but we are to be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord, your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58. I write this for myself. As a reminder that this life is fleeting. This Covid is fleeting. The trials of 3 kids, 14.5, 12 and 7 are fleeting. The trials of my marriage are fleeting. A blink and life is back to busy. A blink and kids are grown up and the house is quiet. I need to think of these things daily. To be reminded to work diligently always, as to the Lord. To love on the messes that are blessings. And to pray without ceasing over my husband and marriage. My mind is all over the place- so sorry ladies!
The Old Testament people only had the Law, their personal sacrifice and obedience.
Jesus’ New Testament blood, death, and resurrection pay the price for our sin.
Not so that I can keep sinning, but so that I may set free in the righteousness of Christ Jesus.
Jesus’ blood, death, and resurrection gave victory over death.
Solomon realized that God is the judge – that is wisdom.
Solomon realized that we have about the value of dust – again wisdom.
I am awed this morning by God’s great love for us…not only in what Jesus did for us, but the peace we can have in today because we rest in post Jesus times.
We even have the Holy Spirit, indwelling, guiding, comforting. Wow.
If we were to write these verses today, would we have a greater perspective and hope?
Could we/would we declare and stand firm in confidence that yes, God is the judge; yes, we are dust; and the greatest yes, our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. Praise God.
Well said!
Oh Solomon, you’ve had your eyes focused on life under the sun far too long. It’s blinded you. You’ve forgotten that you were made first and foremost in the image of God Himself. Therefore there is a very big and significant difference between man and animals. Yes both die a physical death. But that does not mean at all that their destinies are the same. And oh Solomon, animals and man do not have the same breath. God himself breathed life into Adam! While animals can be wonderful pets, they are not equivalent to human beings, who are made uniquely by God to know and serve Him. Man is to rule over the animals, not stand on equal footing with them. Look up and remember, Solomon. Go back and reread Genesis. There is ABUNDANT LIFE here when you live focused above the sun. We can certainly enjoy life on this earth, with our pets, but there is so much more. We are so much more. We are made for so much more. We are little lower than the angels. Oh Solomon. Read the Word.
Hm … in fact Ecclesiastes is the Word, too. The consequence of your words would be, not to take all Scripture seriously because it’s „merely“ written by men.
I stumbled over these words from Salomon as well, but they are as much God‘s Word as the teachings of Jesus.
Yes, these are most definitely the Word of God as well.
I agree.
Solomon is right.
Everything is futile. To what purpose is anything that we do?
Here he says, enjoy what you do.
Really, this book needs to be read, at least once, all the way through, like an essay.
It’s beautifully summed up at the end: fear God, keep His commandments. And Jesus summed up the commandments in two: Love God with all you are and love others as you love yourself, do this and you will fulfill the commandments.
Life is simple, we make it complicated.
And simple is rarely easy.
Yes, thank you, Jessica. So beautiful. During this time of working and schooling from home your words “While I can’t stop cleaning, I’m happier when I focus my energy on the joys of the mess-makers instead of pretending like their mess can be fully avoided” are an particularly good reminder to me.
Life is beautiful, and life is hard, but this life is temporary. Take it all in stride as we wait on eternity with Jesus. Amen
I love the last paragraph what joy and pleasure it brings me to think about that day when we all will be in glory with our Heavenly Father
Thank you Jessica for this. Beautifully written and I heard every word…❤
I found this article about having freedom over the fear of death. https://bible.org/seriespage/freedom-fear-death-john-141-6-and-hebrews-214-15
Not sure how many feel that fear or if you aren’t afraid because of Jesus. I was originally searching to see what was written about the fears of death back in the Biblical times before Jesus came. I know I’ve heard some history about what some believed happened after death. If anyone knows, please share. Thank you