Saturday - Ecclesiastes 11 - Strike While the Iron is Hot

A

 fool waits for the perfect moment to make his investments.  A wise man invests all he can while he can and cuts his losses when he sees that things aren't working out.  At least, such is the philosophy that is espoused by Solomon in this chapter.  Notice his admonitions.  Throw your bread out there.  Give all you can.  Sow your seeds.  Harvest your crops.  Work while there is light.  Enjoy life while you are young enough to enjoy it, etc.  In other words, strike while the iron is hot!  If you wait too late, either your energy may be wasted, or the opportunity may be gone altogether.

I'm reminded of the nation of Israel and how they waited one day too late to attempt an entrance into Canaan during the days of Moses.  It cost them their lives and 40 years of progress.  Esau is also a good example.  He eventually valued his place as the eldest son, but he waited too late to see things this clearly; to set his priorities in good order.

How many people have missed heaven because they kept waiting... and waiting, for something?  Maybe they wanted all of their questions answered.  Maybe they were waiting for a better Christian example to follow.  Maybe they were waiting for that last possible moment.  Whatever the reason, waiting is unwise.  This is why Paul said in 2^nd Corinthians 6:2, "Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."   Even for believers or for contemplative potential believers, the writer of Hebrews urges urgency.  Hebrews 3:13, "Exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today;’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."  Again, Hebrews 3:15, "While it is said, ‘Today if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.’"

There will always be things that we don't know.  There also will come a day when it will be too late for us to make any adjustments.  Our entire life will someday be examined (Ecclesiastes 11:9).  We will have to give account.  Will you or I have to give a sad report like the lazy servant Jesus spoke of in Matthew 25:25-27?  I hope and pray not.  "Too late" would be an incredibly sad epitaph for any of us.  Let us never be like the five foolish virgins who simply waited too late to do the right thing (Matthew 25:10).  Let's strike while the iron is hot.  Whatever is right to do, do it today.  Do it now.  Don’t delay.  Don’t doubt!  Obey right away.