Fate

Fate

6/6/2009

Ecclesiastes 3:19 19 For the fate of the sons of men and the fate of beasts is the same. As one dies so dies the other; indeed, they all have the same breath and there is no advantage for man over beast, for all is vanity. New American Standard Bible

The above verse is easier for me to understand if I insert the word life in place of the word fate. “For the life of the sons of men and the life of beasts is the same…” – all live and die; no exceptions. So, Solomon seems to be saying life in the sense of an appointed time (or allotment of time) is the same fate for man and beast – but quality of life is vastly different for both; and both have unique advantages that are unavailable to the other. My dog has never had to balance a checkbook or worry about what the boss thinks… But my dog never gets the privilege to know God up close and personal.

I get the privilege of knowing God – to commune with Him and to live life under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91). My dog(s) may or may not get the reward of eternal life, but unlike me, they don’t get to share in the inheritance of the sons of the Most High.

So, I agree with Solomon in a certain respect and disagree with him in another – yes, man and beast have a level playing field when it comes to the gift of physical life, but the advantage I have over beasts is indisputably this: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1.12-13 NASB)

Father in Heaven,

O to know You my blessed Redeemer, the Giver of life, and Author of salvation!

Yours is the power, the glory, and the riches of grace over men and all creation.

To all Your creatures the fate of living is the same;

But certain rights are given even to those who believe in Your Name:

Sons of men, children of God, from every tongue, tribe, and every nation

Who are we men that You care for us and cause us to live

As the recipients of Your love and grace and the gifts that You give

You measure our life and give us our breath

And at the end of our days we sleep in death

Bur awake to eternal life, the blessing we receive.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.