What does "leave to the one who comes after me" imply about stewardship? Verse at a Glance “ I hated all my labor at which I toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether he will be wise or foolish? Yet he will be master over all the fruit of my labor at which I toiled and used my wisdom under the sun. This too is futile.” (Ecclesiastes 2:18-19) What Solomon Is Feeling - Frustration: decades of effort can be squandered by the next generation. - Powerlessness: once he dies, he loses all control over his wealth. - Futility: earthly gain ends up in someone else’s hands. Stewardship Truths Wrapped in That Frustration • Ownership is temporary - Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness.” - Everything I “own” is really on loan from God and will soon belong to somebody else. • Accountability is eternal - Luke 16:10-12 teaches that God watches how we handle “another’s property.” - I answer to Him for faithfulness, not for guaranteeing a certain outcome after I’m gone. • Preparation matters - Proverbs 13:22: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” - Wise stewardship plans for transition: wills, discipleship, training heirs in godly principles. • Generosity outlives control - 1 Timothy 6:17-19 urges the wealthy to be “rich in good works… storing up treasure for the coming age.” - What I give away in Jesus’ name can’t be mishandled—it’s already invested in eternity. • Heart evaluation - Matthew 6:19-21 ties treasure to affection: if fear of losing assets wrecks my joy, my heart is anchored to the wrong world. Practical Takeaways - Hold resources with an open hand; God can redirect them as He pleases. - Train the “one who comes after” (children, protégés, ministry leaders) so they inherit both assets and wisdom. - Convert surplus into kingdom impact now: support missionaries, local ministries, the needy. - Keep estate plans current; they are a tool of stewardship, not a lack of faith. - Daily remind yourself: “I am a manager, not an owner; God is the Owner, and eternity is the balance sheet.” Related Passages for Further Reflection • 1 Chronicles 29:14 – “Everything comes from You…” • Psalm 90:12 – “Teach us to number our days…” • Luke 12:16-21 – Parable of the rich fool who laid up treasure for himself. |
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