Connect Ecclesiastes 5:16 with Matthew 6:19-21 on storing treasures in heaven. Facing the Reality of What We Can’t Keep • Ecclesiastes 5:16: “As a man came from his mother’s womb, so he will depart again naked as he came; he takes nothing from the fruit of his labor that he can carry in his hands.” • Life’s ledger is brutally honest: every earthly possession is a temporary loan. • 1 Timothy 6:7 echoes the same truth: “For we brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out of it.” • The Teacher’s point is not anti-work; it is anti-illusion. We may enjoy God’s gifts (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19), but we cannot cling to them. Jesus’ Call to Invest in What Lasts – v. 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” – v. 20 “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” – v. 21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” • Christ identifies the same fragility Ecclesiastes exposes, then supplies the antidote: relocate treasure to heaven. • Luke 12:33-34 reinforces Jesus’ strategy: “Provide yourselves purses that will not wear out…for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” How the Two Passages Interlock 1. Shared diagnosis – Ecclesiastes: Earth cannot hold your wealth. – Jesus: Earthly vaults are unreliable. 2. Distinct prescriptions – Ecclesiastes: Enjoy but know it’s fleeting. – Jesus: Transfer assets to an indestructible realm. 3. Unified outcome – A wise life recognizes the expiration date of material goods and redirects affection toward the eternal God. Practical Ways to Send Treasure Ahead • Generous giving – 1 Timothy 6:18-19: “Be rich in good deeds…lay up treasure for the coming age.” • Serving with your talents – Colossians 3:23-24: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart…you will receive the inheritance from the Lord.” • Investing time in people – 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 calls fellow believers “our glory and joy” at Christ’s coming. Souls outlast stuff. • Cultivating Christlike character – Galatians 5:22-23: the fruit of the Spirit is never taxed, stolen, or burned. Heart Check: Following Our Investments • Treasure and heart travel together (Matthew 6:21). • Track where money, energy, and attention flow; they form a map to what we worship. • When the ledger tilts heavenward, affection follows—guarding us from the emptiness Ecclesiastes laments. Encouragement for Today • The Teacher warns, Jesus directs, and we respond. • Every choice to loosen earthly grip and tighten heavenly hold writes a line in eternity’s balance sheet. • Live today like someone who already knows the final audit: “Naked we depart, but rich we can arrive.” |
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