Bible Study 11: Waiting

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

Listen to the Teacher

What helps you to accept the guidance of an instructor?

Ecclesiastes is a wisdom book which contains the words of “the Teacher,” an insightful man who “constantly taught the people knowledge” (Ecclesiastes 12:9). Among his many proverbs and truthful words were the instructions, “Worship God and keep God’s commandments.” (verse 13).

The problem with God’s commandments is that they contain a number of rather daunting “thou-shalt-nots.” Most of us don’t like to be scolded, so we don’t want to hear them. But these rulings from the Lord are not meant to drag us down with a negative message. In fact, they are intended to be life-enhancing, and to give us a very positive framework for the living of our days.

The Ten Commandments break nicely into two parts, fitting onto the two tablets of stone that God used to deliver the commandments to Moses. In his theological masterpiece, the Institutes of the Christian Religion, Protestant reformer John Calvin wrote that “God has so divided His law into two parts, which contain the whole of righteousness, as to assign the first part of those duties of religion which particularly concern the worship of His majesty; the second, to the duties of love that have to do with men.”

Worship of God’s majesty: That’s part one, which the Teacher was referring to when he said, “Worship God.” Part two is the duties of love that have to do with people. These commandments are equally life-enhancing, innovative, and well-crafted. No doubt Jesus had this two-part approach in mind when he said that the greatest commandment calls us both to “love the Lord your God” and to “love your neighbor as you love yourself” (Matthew 22:36-40).

The Teacher of Ecclesiastes was echoing John Calvin when he combined the duties of religion with the duties of love. He knew that God’s commandments were designed to help us, not to hurt us. We tap into a source of energy and security when we worship God, rather than the powers of this world. And we gain important guidance from the commandments that tell us how best to live together, despite our natural tendency to rebel against any limitations on human freedom. 

Because the Teacher was wise, he instructed us to worship God and keep God’s commandments. When we follow his advice, we move into relationships that not only reflect the will of God, but also provide us with much happier and healthier lives.

Help me to worship you, God, and to follow your life-enhancing commandments. Amen.