Building Castles on the Sand (Part 3): Ecclesiastes 2:12-26 by Dr. Rod Mattoon

Scripture

• Ecclesiastes 2:12–26

About this sermon

Solomon was concerned about futility, uselessness, and waste, yet, his disobedience to God created the waste and confusion he despised. He poured his life into his work and it was grievous or stressful for him. People make the same mistake today. If you place your work or anything else ahead of God, don’t be shocked at the stress, strain, and suffering that will be in the shadows. Solomon hated all that he had done and accomplished because he had to leave an inheritance to his successor after his death. That bothered him. He would no longer have control and be the master over his things. In spite of all his skill and work he had done, someone else was going to get his wealth and get to enjoy the fruits of his labor even though they did not work for it. That seemed unfair to him and also great evil. He was also concerned about the character of his successor, whether he would wisely use what he had sweated to gain, or would he foolishly squander and waste it, undoing everything for which he had worked. If that happened, all that he accomplished, all that he strived for, would have been a huge waste. Unfortunately, that is exactly what his son Rehoboam did. The kingdom was divided within a year. Solomon was filled with despair. He painted a dark picture in his life because he had left the Lord out of his life. Let’s bring the Lord into the picture on this matter. Solomon felt that his power and wealth were meaningless since others would inherit them. They are not a waste, however, if you send your treasures ahead of you by giving to the Lord and His work. That is not a waste at all. Giving to see people saved and Christians grow in Christ are wise investments that have eternal results and rewards. What you lay up in Heaven you will see those benefits up there in some way. Living for Christ brings peace, joy, and rest in your life. In this message, we find Solomon beginning to make a turn for the better in his life as he realized that God is the source of his blessings. This message was preached on Wednesday night, October 28, 2020 at Lincoln Land Baptist Church in Springfield, Illinois.