“The words of the wise are like goads…” (v.11), which are farming instruments meant to prod a reluctant animal. Ecclesiastes has been goading us for 10 weeks now and it comes to a final call to discipleship. Hopefully, you’ve seen enough of Qohelet’s empty secularism to long for something better. 

Today’s passage is an epilogue in the voice of a “frame narrator” who is commenting to a son about learning the lesson of Qohelet. The “frames” of his teaching are Ecclesiastes 1:2 and 12:8, which repeat the refrain, “all is vanity.”  But the narrator teaches us that biblical wisdom is given by one Shepherd (v. 11), who we now know to be Jesus the Messiah. 

Jesus, the one Shepherd, is calling us to be his disciples.

Life lived intentionally as Jesus’ disciple (apprentice) is not vanity. The frame narrator brings us back to the basics of faith. “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (v.13). He also reminds his son that God will judge every deed and secret (v.14). On this side of the cross and resurrection, we know that Jesus has taken our judgment. Those who are in Christ are no longer under condemnation (Romans 8:1). So, I might restate the narrator’s basics this way: Fear God; do what he says; remember his judgment.  The beginning of discipleship is to recognize the Lord’s holiness, power and love, and then surrender our hearts to him as our Lord. Following his commandments brings life and goodness for us. We must always keep the cross of Jesus before us.

Taking It Home: Renew your discipleship by praying a prayer to surrender lordship to Jesus. Resolve to actually live according to his teachings. Repent early and often when you stumble!