Day 196 – Tuesday, 7/15/2025: Ecclesiastes 11-12 and Matthew 25-26
Old Testament Reading: Ecclesiastes 11-12
New Testament Reading: Matthew 25-26
Daily Psalm/Proverb: Psalm 15
Reflection: Living with Purpose and the Cost of Discipleship
In Ecclesiastes 11-12, the Teacher brings his reflections to a close, urging us to live with purpose and to enjoy the life God has given us, while remembering our Creator. In Ecclesiastes 11, the Teacher encourages us to invest in the things of life, even when we don’t always see the full picture of the outcome. He speaks of sowing seeds, taking risks, and living boldly in the uncertainty of life. He reminds us that we cannot control the outcomes, but we can trust in God’s providence and live with the knowledge that life is a gift to be enjoyed. In Ecclesiastes 12, the Teacher concludes with a call to remember God in our youth and to live with reverence for Him throughout our lives. The final verses reflect on the ultimate purpose of life: to fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. The Teacher leaves us with a sense of urgency to live wisely and faithfully, keeping God at the center of our lives.
In Matthew 25-26, we witness some of Jesus' most powerful teachings on the Kingdom of God, discipleship, and the coming judgment. Matthew 25 includes the Parable of the Ten Virgins, the Parable of the Talents, and Jesus' teaching on the final judgment. These parables emphasize the importance of readiness, faithfulness, and stewardship in anticipation of Christ’s return. The Parable of the Ten Virgins calls us to be wise and prepared, while the Parable of the Talents challenges us to use the gifts and resources God has entrusted to us for His Kingdom. In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus teaches that the final judgment will be based on how we treated the least of these—feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the imprisoned. This passage underscores the importance of living out our faith in tangible ways and serving others as an expression of our love for Christ.
In Matthew 26, we see the beginning of Jesus' final days, including His anointing at Bethany, Judas’ betrayal, the Last Supper, and His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus’ words and actions in this chapter reveal His deep commitment to fulfilling God’s will, even at great personal cost. He prepares His disciples for the trials ahead and shows them the importance of remaining faithful in times of testing. His prayer in Gethsemane—"Not my will, but Yours be done"—reminds us of the sacrifice and submission that discipleship often requires.
These chapters remind us that living with purpose means being faithful in all areas of life—serving others, being prepared for Jesus’ return, and being willing to follow Him even when it costs us something. The call to follow Jesus is one of both grace and responsibility.
Key Hebrew Words in Ecclesiastes 11-12:
Ecclesiastes 11:6 – "Seed" (זֶרַע, zera): Zera refers to sowing or planting. The Teacher encourages us to sow the seeds of our lives with faith, even when the future is uncertain.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 – "Fear" (יָרֵא, yare): Yare refers to reverence or fear. The Teacher concludes with a reminder to fear God and keep His commandments, which is the essence of true wisdom.
Prayer for Day 196:
"Lord, thank You for the reminder in Ecclesiastes to live with purpose and to remember You in all that we do. Help us to trust You with the uncertainty of life and to faithfully invest in the Kingdom of God. We thank You for the teachings of Jesus in Matthew, which remind us to live in readiness, to serve others, and to follow Him, no matter the cost. May we be faithful stewards of the gifts You have entrusted to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen."