Bread Upon The Waters
19 SEPTEMBER 2021 | PRAYER & PRAISE SERVICE
Rev Raymond Fong
Scripture Passage: Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 (ESV)
WATCH | SERMON (VIDEO)
READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary | The wise teacher embraces risk, not recklessly, but with full confidence, as a faith venture.
1. Be bold in your generosity (v1-2) The expression ‘casting bread upon the waters’ speaks of ancient merchants sending goods off to sea with the hope of great gain or more often, great loss - a risky venture! We are urged to be bountiful in generosity for there are great rewards for us too. (Prov 19:17). We are actually lending to God! When we sow generously we will reap generously! (2 Cor 9:6). Let us be willing to give our 5 loaves and 2 fish!
2. Be diligent in every opportunity (v3-4, 6) If the farmer waits for perfect weather to sow or reap, he may never start his work. Don’t fall to paralysis by analysis! Seize opportunities when they present themselves without waiting for perfection.
As we enter into a faith adventure with God, we allow Him to shape and mold us: the process of discipleship! This too is risky; therefore, we must allow God to lead!
3. Be surrendered in faithful risk-taking (5) As we acknowledge that God is greater than us and His thoughts higher than ours, we surrender and trust God. There is an element of risk; therefore, we must have faith. There are many examples in the Bible such as Moses, David or Esther but also ordinary unnamed people who took the risk. In Matt 25:14-30, why was the man who hid his talent (unwilling to take risks) condemned? Because he did not know the heart of the master!
He failed to understand that his master was an ag-gressive investor. We are called to know that our Master expects faith-filled risk-taking. Jesus took the ultimate risk for us and prayed “Thy will be done”! Our God is a faithful God who takes the risk to offer His love to us when we are free to reject Him and therefore we are to surrender and follow Him in obedience and faith. Faithful risk-taking means obedience to the Word, following the lead-ing of the Spirit, in consultation with the Church Community to the Glory of God!
What is God calling you to cast on the waters? We are held back by fear of failure and losing control. As you face fear, relocate your identity in God’s glory; as you wrestle with the need for control, humble yourself in God’s providence (Timothy Keller). We are not in control but be comforted that the one who is, loves you so much that He died for you! Let us cast our bread upon the waters and indeed, we will find it after many days!
(Sermon notes by Frances Lim)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Read and reflect on Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 (ESV).
1. What does it mean for you to “cast your bread upon the waters” (v 1, ESV)?
2. How can you be boldly generous (including giving time and effort)? Share specific examples. What holds you back from being so? How does God’s Word encourage you to be courageous?
3. Was there a time when you missed an opportunity (e.g. for work, building relationships, ministry) because you waited for perfect conditions which never came? What is one area in your life for faithful risk-taking?
4. We do not understand the “work of God who makes everything.” (v 5, ESV). Even without understanding God’s sovereign work, how can we continue to trust Him? How does God’s love shown in His Son invite you to a fresh surrender to His sovereign goodness? Pray for each other to grow in faith.