February 7: DAY OF DEATH

A good name is better than precious ointment, And the day of death than the day of one’s birth. Ecclesiastes 7:1

The wisest, wealthiest, and most influential king in Israel’s history was the “Preacher” (1:1) addressing the assembly of God’s people. For a lengthy time, Solomon had abandoned the wisdom that God had so generously given him (see 2 Chronicles 1:10-12). But by the end, he learned—all too well—the emptiness of popularity, prestige, pleasure, and power “under the sun.” * Our fallen world elevates these as life goals. A cursory reading of our opening verse seems to raise a note of incongruity. So, why did King Solomon make the ‘double statement’ above?

Could it be that he saw firsthand the devastation that his own wayward lifestyle had caused in the lives of others? At the end of his days, he surely desired for others to understand that faithfulness to the LORD is the only foundation for a good name, and a winning influence upon others. Personal obedience to the Lord, by faith, has potential to turn others toward spiritual healing, pointing wayward lives toward the Savior. Do you desire a good name in the eyes of the LORD, so that He can use you as a balm, or a precious ointment, for the souls of others?

How could the day of death [be better] than the day of one’s birth? At the time that one dies, the direction he has chosen for his life will be irrevocable. If he is committed to the upward call of Christ Jesus, each day of his life under the sun brings him to reflect God’s image more closely. The faithful follower of Jesus has already ‘died’ to sin. At death, such a one will continue to be safely hid with Christ as he leaves a legacy of encouragement to the living. The dreamless sleep of death will seem to him a mere moment—the twinkling of an eye—until Christ returns to call him forth from the grave with His own voice.

The years of life, and yes, even the day of death of the faithful brings glory to God. Do not forget how the resurrected Jesus, immediately after restoring Peter, explained to him that he would also be crucified . . .

This He spoke, signifying by what death [Peter] would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” John 21:19

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15

*“under the sun”, used 27 times in Ecclesiastes, is Solomon’s unique way of referring to this fallen world

also referenced: 1 Kings 11; Philippians 3:14; Colossians 3:3-4; 1 Corinthians 15:52; John 5:28