Daily Bible Study

Tweet

Day 311 (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20) Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage. As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him the power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God. For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart. When you think about what belongs to you, your portion or lot in life, what comes to mind? Do you find joy in your work? The New King James calls it your heritage. Other versions call it your portion, lot, or reward. Solomon said you were to rejoice in the work of your hands because with it you receive wealth, riches, and food. Some people think of their lot as the work they do without gaining anything from it. Doing the same thing every day without reward. Yet, your lot is your reward. Your work needs to be more than going to the job site every day, clocking in, going home, eating, sleeping, and doing it all over the next day. There is no hope in that kind of work, no reward, and no joy. As Christians, you know God gives you work. He provides everything you need. Do you know your work is not the nine-to-five job you go to every day? Your work is witnessing to your neighbor, helping those in need, giving your time to those who want someone to listen, and doing the work of the kingdom of God. When you do the work of God’s kingdom, He will provide everything you need in this life and give you the desires of your heart. (Luke 6:38) “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” (NKJV) Jesus told the people a parable about a sower. (Matthew 13:18-23) “Therefore hear the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. But he who received the seed in stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” When you go through life without purpose, you are like the sower who spread his seed on whatever ground he found. You will receive temporary joy, but soon it will evaporate like water. It won’t produce anything. Yet, when you do the work of God’s kingdom, whatever you do will produce a harvest you will be unable to contain. God will give back what you give in more abundance than you gave. Your wealth will increase, and your joy will be without measure. What are you doing for God’s kingdom? Are you finding joy in your labor? This is your reward, your heritage from God. Let’s pray: Father, let me find joy in my work for You. Let me bring forth a rich harvest for Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 20 May 2023 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay