Casting Bread
19 SEPTEMBER 2021 | TRADITIONAL SERVICE
Ps Clement Ong
Scripture Passage: Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 (ESV)
WATCH | SERMON (VIDEO)
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Summary | Uncertainty, a theme throughout Ecclesiastes, is mentioned in verses 2,5 and 6 of chapter 11. “You do not know” reminds us that man can never fathom God’s ways. There is an inevitability of life as seen by the events that are beyond our control. Uncertainty can create fear, anxiety or helplessness. On the other hand, it can move us towards God. The Teacher moves from wrestling with the meaningless in life to see meaning through the lens of wisdom, which is mentioned 30 times in the last six chapters of Ecclesiastes. The passage uses three images to help us navigate through the inevitabilities and uncertainties of life.
1. Sea merchants. Vs 1 (NIV) states: “Ship your grain across the sea; after many days you may receive a return”. Risk is taken to send one’s grain or produce across the seas, with the intent and hope of gaining good returns. Apart from risk-taking, another meaning can be found in the ESV: “Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.” It may seem strange to imagine blobs of bread floating in water. Such a waste, we may conclude. And how would we find this soggy mess after many days? “Cast” implies giving or sending away. With open hands or spreading out, we are reminded that as God’s stewards, we are to give generously and step out of our comfort zone. Release back to the Lord what He has provided. We also need to let go and trust that even though we do not know what will happen, we should give unconditionally. Let us not be calculative in our giving; let there not be any strings attached. As Charles Swindoll said, “Don’t put your bread in deep freeze…or store up…don’t hoard, thinking it needs protecting, release it.” Embrace God’s way of giving - “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all” (Rom. 8:32). What is the bread that He wants you to release?
2. Sowing seeds (vs. 4). Farmers would look for the best conditions before sowing their seeds. Yet the Teacher implies that we should not over-consider these conditions. For if we wait for perfect conditions, we will never get anything done. During the planting season, farmers go out to sow their seeds. They do not abandon hope that rain will come. Likewise, we must proceed with faith and act upon what God has placed in our hearts. Even in the midst of unfavourable conditions, step out in faith, for otherwise, we may miss opportunities in sowing seeds of the Gospel. Waiting around may result in idleness (vs. 6). Recall the parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14-30). Let us not be like the servant who squandered the opportunity given by the master.
3. Baby in mother’s womb (vs. 5). It is amazing how a baby is formed. Though science can explain some details of human development, there are many aspects which are unknown. Indeed, we cannot know all of God’s mysteries. God alone can take what is messed up to make it good (Rom. 8:28). In our discipleship journey, we learn how to surrender to His will, even as He reveals Himself through the seasons and circumstances of our lives.
It is our act of worship to release and find joy in giving; our act of discipleship to persevere in our discipleship journey; and our act of obedience to surrender and delight in His mysterious ways.
Live wisely and boldly for God!
(Sermon notes by Angela Goh)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. The first imagery is an instruction by the preacher to cast our bread upon the waters like a sailor or sea merchant would with his goods or produce. What is the preacher teaching us to do with our bread?
2. The second imagery is a farmer who watches the weather and sowing only when best of conditions. Consider the opportunities that you have missed, or would miss in the sowing of the gospel if everything has to be perfect in its setting.
3. The third imagery is a baby being formed in a mother’s womb. Were there seasons in our lives when we struggled to understand God’s work and ways? How can we grow in faith as we submit to God’s sovereignty?
4. How has the passage impressed in your heart about God and encouraged you in your faith journey? Share with another person and spend some time praying for each other.