That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14)
The thing I love about Solomon’s conclusion is there isn’t a ruffle of drums, a loud blast of the horns, and screaming clarinets with a crescendo of passionate emotion. There’s just a simple statement. And Solomon doesn’t try to be fancy about it either. When the conclusion has been heard, when it’s all been said, it literally reads, “Fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person” (Ecclesiastes 12:13 NASB) Isn’t that great? I love the understated ending to this incredible journal.
We’ve been with him through every conceivable emotion, but now he finishes the entire work by saying that there are two things we need to pay attention to—two “musts.”
First, we must take God seriously. Hold Him in highest regard. Respect and revere Him.
Second, we must do what He says. Obey Him.
You’d think Solomon slammed his journal shut and said, “Now, I’m going fishing. Got it done. Got it said.” But that’s not all. He knows his readers would ask why. Why should I revere God? Why should I obey His truth? His last statement explains his reason. Because “God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil” (12:14 NASB).
Why does Solomon close with that? Because we cannot live the life of an irresponsible playboy and get away with it. We aren’t free to run wild and wink in God’s direction, thinking that, no matter what, the big Teddy Bear in the sky will yawn, pat us on the head, and say, “Everything is going to be just fine.” No, it doesn’t work like that. Our ragged-edge journey is headed for a sudden stop. And all alone, standing face to face with the One who created us, we will give an account of the life we have lived. Sobering, serious thought! Don’t walk away from it too quickly.
Do you want to know how to handle your life in light of such a day of reckoning? Would you like to know the secret? The password? I’ll give it to you in one word—Christ. He alone is the way, the truth, the life. Without “the way,” there is no going. Without “the truth,” there is no knowing. Without “the life,” there is no living.
