In his sermon on Ecclesiastes 9:1–10, Stephen Davey explains Solomon’s wisdom about facing life and death with realism, humility, and joyful gratitude. Solomon first reminds his readers that all our deeds are in God’s hands—not meaning we are puppets, but that the sovereign Lord lovingly weaves every choice and circumstance into His purposes. Next, Solomon confronts the certainty of death: the righteous and the wicked, the religious and the irreligious—all meet the same appointment, proving humanity’s universal sinfulness and need for a Savior. Davey notes that unbelievers avoid thinking about death because deep down they lack confidence about the afterlife and know they will soon be forgotten by the world. Instead of despair, Solomon calls believers to embrace life with joyful intentionality. He urges them to enjoy simple gifts—a good meal, festive clothing, meaningful relationships—and especially to delight in marriage and family. Finally, Solomon commands God’s people to work wholeheartedly, seizing every task with enthusiasm, knowing that earthly opportunities do not last forever. Davey concludes that the wise believer does not fear the “grim reaper,” but “dances before him”—enjoying God’s everyday blessings, savoring relationships, pursuing excellence, and living today as a preview of the eternal joy to come.
Dancing Before the Grim Reaper
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