Ecclesiastes 11 & 12

The Book of Ecclesiastes has so many wonderful images and is often quoted. The verses about there being a season, a time for every purpose under heaven was one of the readings at Jackie and my wedding.

What I like about reading poetry inspired by Scripture is that it both brings back to us those familiar images (if indeed we are familiar with the Bible) but it also presents the Word in a slightly different light. Hopefully if the poem is true to Word it may help us better understand the passage.

This is inspired by the last two chapters in Ecclesiastes.

Ecclesiastes 11 & 12

As I grow old these thought persist
while casting bread on water's deep
all will come back in many days
it will be found, it will be found

I'll split my blessings seven times
and if I need then share them eight
for I don't know what lies ahead
some will remain, some will remain

When clouds are full they pour out rain
just as the wind blows where it wants
this shows me that the harvest comes
but I must plant, but I must reap

New sun will shine with pleasant light
but just as sure the night arrives
I praised those days when I was young
for darkness comes, for darkness comes

There was not need to store up grief
or foster anger deep in my heart
I knew that death comes way too soon
all will be judged, all will be judged

Before the panes of glass grow dim
and joy in life will fly away
I'll think of Him who made all things
He keeps me now, He'll keep me then

And though my tree will lose white blooms
these ears and eyes and limbs grow weak
before the silver cord gets sliced
I'll think of Him, I'll think of Him

Dust returns to where it came
the spirit flies to Him above
all men should fear Creator Lord
He sees it all, He sees it all