A thief broke into a phone repair shop, smashed the glass of a display case and began pocketing phones and more. He tried to conceal his identity from the surveillance camera by covering his head with a cardboard box. But during the burglary, the box briefly tipped, uncovering his face. Minutes later, the store owner saw the video footage of the robbery, called the police and they arrested the robber outside a nearby shop. His story reminds us that every hidden sin will be uncovered one day.
It’s human nature to try to hide our sins. But in Ecclesiastes, we read that we should keep God’s commandments, for every hidden thing will be brought before His righteous gaze and just verdict (Ecclesiastes 12:14). The author wrote, “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (v. 13). Even the hidden things which the Ten Commandments rebuked (Leviticus 4:13 ) won’t escape His evaluation. He’ll bring every deed into judgement, whether good or evil. But, because of His grace, we can find forgiveness for our sins in Jesus and His sacrifice on our behalf (Ephesians 2:4-5).
When we’re conscious of and internalise His commandments, it can lead to a reverent fear of Him and a lifestyle to match. Let’s bring our sins to Him and experience anew His loving, forgiving heart.
By Marvin Williams
REFLECT & PRAY
How can you maintain a reverent fear of God? What can you do this week to be conscious of His commandments?
Dear God, I repent of my secret sins. Please look on me with mercy and help me live rightly before You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The final two verses of Ecclesiastes 12 comprise the conclusion to a sobering chapter in which old age is looked at with an unflinching lens. These verses also serve as the conclusion to the entire book of Ecclesiastes—possibly the most depressing book in the Bible after Lamentations. In both the first and last chapters, the author tells us “everything is meaningless” (1:2; 12:8). The bulk of the twelve chapters examine the futility of everything we do to try to find meaning and purpose. Upon closer inspection, however, we see that the writer does find meaning. That’s why he writes, “Fear God and keep his commandments” ( v. 13) for there’s a coming judgment (v. 14). Keep in mind that “the Teacher” (1:1) is writing from the perspective of this life only. Only when he acknowledges the next life does he find purpose and, ultimately, fulfilment.
Tim Gustafson
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