Ecclesiastes 9: Defeating Death

After many chapters of skirting round the issue the writer of Ecclesiastes finally turns round to face death.

We had already been introduced to death in 2.25-26, 3.19-20, 5.15-17 but now he gives a more detail description of death

vs1: Death is inevitable (everyone faces the same destiny)

vs2: Death is a neutraliser (the distinctions in this life come to nothing_

vs3: Death means life meaningless (because all our accomplishments are rendered meaningless)

vs12: Death often comes expectantly

vs10: Death is the end (we end up in Sheol where there is just darkness)

This teacher is helpless in the face of death that is pursuing him and will one day catch him and overpower him! Enter Jesus….the one man to beat death and reverse the consequences on the fall through his death and resurrection! He faced death and beat it, in the death of others (Mark 6, Luke 7 and John 11) but also in his own death. The New Testament is full of Christians rejoicing and living in light of his victory. Revelation 1.17-18, Hebrews 2.10-15 and 1 Peter 1.3-10. We all need to be able to turn and confidently face death knowing that Christ has won the victory for us. George Herbert put it beautifully when he said “death used to be an executioner but the Gospel makes him just a gardener.”

What does it mean to live in light of Christ’ victory over death. Here are some suggestions, I am sure you can think of more…

(1) Great confidence (not even death can separate me from the Love of God in Christ - Romans 8.35ff)

(2) Hold onto things more lightly (because we not only gain an eternal perspective but we realise that only what is done in Christ’s name will last - 1 Corinthians 15.58 - it is not in vain).

(3) More generous (we brought nothing into the world and we take nothing out, so why not be generous with what we have?)

(4) Urgency (we want to tell others about the Risen Lord so they no longer need to fear death and what lies beyond the grave).

Reflection and Application

(1) Why is it that we often don’t think about death (whether as a church or in society in general)?

(2) Why does the man in Ecclesiastes feel pursued by death? Why does he want to push it aside but knows he can’t?

(3) What does chapter 9 say about death?

(4) How seriously do we take Jesus’ victory over death? How much is our faith built on his resurrection?

(5) How does thinking about death and Jesus’ victory over death help us live life to the full?

(6) How has reflecting on death and resurrection caused you to examine the way you live?

(7) Paul shouts in victory over death in 1 Corinthians 15.53-57. What is his BIG application of this in verse 58? How does this contrast with the book of Ecclesiastes? Why is our labour in the Lord not in vain?

(8) Pray for each other, that you would live in light of eternity.

(9) Pray for us to be urgent in our evangelistic zeal and effort.