[:en]SCRIPTURE: ECCLESIASTES 12
“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them” (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
“Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14)
SCENARIO OF OLD AGE
- Parkinson’s disease (v. 3a) – when the keepers of the house tremble
- Injury from falling down (v. 3b) – strong men stoop
- Loss of teeth (v. 3b) – grinders cease because they are few
- Loss of vision (v. 3c) – those looking through the windows grow dim
- Deafness (v. 4) – sound of the grinding fades, all their songs grow faint
- Nervousness (v.5a) – men are afraid of heights and dangers in the streets
- Difficulty in walking (v. 5b) – the grasshopper drags himself along
- Loss of appetite or sexual activity (v. 5c) – desire no longer is stirred
- Paralysis (v. 6a) – the silver cord is severed
- Kidney failure (v. 6b) – the golden bowl is broken
- Lung disease (v. 6c) – the pitcher is shattered
- Heart failure (v. 6d) – the wheel broken at the well
CONCLUSION:
A life apart from God is futile and meaningless. As we grow old, we are faced with disabilities, sickness and handicaps. While still young, don’t waste your youth on evil or meaningless activities and passing pleasures. Make your strength available to God. Search the purpose and meaning of your life by knowing the will of God. Life is a precious resource to be used wisely for the glory of God. Put God first and make the best use of time by learning God’s truth. Fear God and obey His commandments. Enjoy your blessings as a gift from God but remember that God will bring every deed into judgment whether good or evil.[:]