11th April 2024

11th April 2024


Pray (ACts)


Read (Ecclesiastes 11v1)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


In another time and place I was involved with a congregation who had big dreams. They were blessed with an abundance of property and so developed a plan to sell, tear down, build and grow. Many meetings were held and plans were drawn up. On some occasions it seemed we were weeks away from progress and then on other days the process slowed to a crawl. How did it all end? To this day the congregation continue to talk but nothing tangible has ever been done and frankly, I don’t think it ever will.


It is good for a fellowship to give serious time and consideration to major decisions but a congregation that endlessly talks without action is a frustrating place. Ecclesiastes isn’t a well known book but chapter eleven verse one is quite famous. It says “Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.” But what does this mean? Some argue that Solomon is speaking about maritime trade whilst others think it is a verse about charitable giving.


Regardless of your interpretation, behind this verse is an encouragement to take risks for the Lord. In Solomon's day to put your wealth on a trade ship was a risky business indeed. You may have received a return but equally your goods may have ended up at the bottom of the Mediterranean. If you prefer the image of giving to charity, it too is not without risk. Your donation to your favourite charitable cause might be misused and who knows what that homeless man in Belfast will do with your fiver.


So to paraphrase verse one, Solomon urges us to take our daily loaf of bread and throw it into the sea. This immediately looks like a foolish decision. We are taking something essential and throwing it to almost certain destruction upon the waves. Have you ever tried to eat untoasted sourdough? It is so tough that it would "choke a horse" but even it wouldn't survive floating down the Quoile. Nevertheless, Solomon was confident that you will find your bread again after many days.


Does this verse mean that we should speculate to accumulate? If I give £1000 to the Lord he'll give me £10,000 back? By no means. This is no prosperity passage. Instead we should understand this verse in light of Calvary. There has been no more important event in all of human history than the death of Jesus upon the cross. He died, rose again and all who trust in Him will be saved. Would you be prepared to count everything as loss for the sake of Christ? Would you be willing to do something that seems foolish for the cause of the Gospel?


An English cricketer by the name of C.T. Studd left his home and promising sporting career behind to take the Gospel to China. He once remarked "If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him." Brothers and sisters, be prepared to take risks for Jesus, casting our bread upon the waters for the glorious Gospel of Christ.    


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q10 How did God create man? God created man male and female, after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over the creatures.
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