Ecclesiastes 3:16-22 – There is certainly a life after life

One great news of what Christ Jesus has done for us is described in Hebrews 2:14b-15.  In these verses, we are assured that Jesus “Himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” Beloved, outside of Christ many are fearful of death. Here in Ecclesiastes 3:16-22, Solomon confronts the most difficult issue which all will face in life, that’s the issue of death. Even as he gave his conclusion concerning death, he realized that he had problem with his conclusion too.

One night, I was talking to my four-year-old grandson and I discovered how unreasonable his thoughts were. He said to me in his self-assured way, “Whatever game I play, it must be me who is the winner.” So, I asked “What if you lose?” In his imperfect way of expression, he said, “I must be the one to win and if I lose I will cry.” He was immovable as far as this matter was concerned. This is certainly unfair. But that’s the nature we all have inherited from the fall – selfish and unfair. In Ecclesiastes 3:16-22, we see the subject of injustice. Solomon saw how inhumane fallen mankind could be toward each other. He wasn’t just talking about playground unfairness. He was talking about unfairness in the whole human race. He saw that even in the place where justice should be served, he could still see injustice. Sometimes in a courtroom where judges are supposed to adjudicate fairly, we still find injustice. Judges are human too, they are subjected to their personal bias and myopic sight and can make off-colors judgment on their off days. In a Bananas Republic, judges are capable of taking bribe and grant victory to the rich at the expense of the poor but not the guilty ones. The frustration in such a situation is that the guilty is not only spared but the innocent will be punished.

In verse 17, we see a ray of hope to the issue of injustice. Solomon said, “God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work.” Remember what he said earlier in this chapter? He said there is a time for everything. This being so, there will be a time for justice as well. It will take place when Christ the Just Arbiter of mankind takes the reign. At that time all evil will be dealt with once and for all and all righteousness will be amply rewarded. The wonderful news is that even now Jesus the Judge is in control in the unseen realm. He will not allow us to be tested beyond our capacity to endure. But with each testing and trial He will provide a way of escape. Hence, our confidence rest in Him. We trust Him explicitly. The time of justice will be here soon.  

To be honest, despite knowing that there will be an ultimate judgment that will be just and fair, the pertinent question will still be: why do we need to wait? Why won’t God deal with them right here and now? Verse 18 provides the answer. God is using the time, pending the coming judgment, to prove to men and show them how inhuman they can be. Our present existence is a testing ground. Whatever we are going through in life, it is a way of revealing our true character. Pressure doesn’t just make a man, it also reveals the substance a man is made up of. This test will prove to be beneficial to us. It will help us to lay hold of our mortality with a gentle grasp. 

In referring to the death of both men and animals, it wasn’t his intention to show the biology of both creatures. Certainly, man did not come from monkey. Here Solomon was making a case for destiny. What he is saying is that death is an experience both animals and men will have to go thorough. All will one day return to dust, just as they were hailed from dust. In verse 19, Solomon makes a very strong case for the inevitability of death.  With all the differences between men and animals, the same end is guaranteed. Death is truly a great leveler for man and animal as well. However, as sure as both man and animal will die and return to the dust, yet where they each will go is uncertain. He spoke it loudly in his mind, saying, “Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down into the earth?” He wasn’t certain if there is life after earthly life. It certainly would be devastating if there is no after life. We would have lived in vain. Our Lord assures us that there is life after life. On the day of resurrection, all who believe in Christ will experience a new and immortal body. That is the hope for all of us. Solomon living years before didn’t have that revelation but we have. That’s our hope and our future. In his uncertainty, Solomon proposed that one should just go about life and living moment by moment, seeking to enjoy each instant. For us New Testament believers, there is a certainty of life here after. The pertinent question is what must I do with what I have now? We seek to know the Lord dearly, go about His assignment cheerfully, and discharge our role responsibly. Remember Jesus tells us to work while it is yet day, for night comes when no man can work.