Take a moment amidst the hustle and bustle of the season to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Join us for an evening of carols and candlelight to celebrate the season with your friends and neighbors. There will be a special Kid’s Christmas Pageant, and live Christmas music and cookies beginning at 3:15pm. We look forward to sharing this special night with you!

At New City, hospitality and table fellowship are at the heart of who we are. As a community, we desire to welcome people to experience Jesus by building authentic relationships, loving our neighbors and sharing a meal. During this season, we are creating an opportunity to share these values over a Thanksgiving meal after service on November 24. 

 RSVPs will be important for planning, so please let us know if you will be joining by RSVP below.

For those that are a part of New City and would like to contribute, we ask that you bring a special dessert to share. If you have any questions, reach out to Chrystine at Chrystine@newcitycov.org.

When: November 24th (Service begins at 10am followed by Thanksgiving meal)

Where: 6400 Tracy Ave Edina, MN 55439

Announcing a very special FIELD TRIP SUNDAY to the former Mercy Commons property! We are actively praying and discerning this location being a future home for New City. On Sunday, November 3rd, come to (4201 W 50th St, Edina, MN 55424) for a special Sunday service.

Service begins at 10am followed by coffee hour and tour of the building.

The Sermon on the Mount is one of Jesus’ most significant teachings, delivered on the northern slope of the Sea of Galilee. While anyone can glean wisdom from it, this sermon is aimed directly at those committed to following Jesus. It challenges believers to live out the principles of faith in a way that goes beyond personal spirituality—it’s about making an impact on the world.

Salt and Light: Jesus’ Metaphor for Influence

In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus calls His followers to be both “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” These two metaphors carry deep meaning, highlighting our role to influence and impact society.

“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.”

Jesus isn’t asking for private faith kept behind closed doors; He is commissioning His followers to step into the world, influence it, and transform it. Just as salt preserves and flavors food, and light dispels darkness, Christians are to shape the culture around them, living out their faith in ways that are visible and impactful.

The Call to Global Influence

Jesus’ challenge is not just for individual believers to take His message worldwide, but for Christians collectively to have an impact wherever they are planted. Whether it’s in your neighborhood, workplace, or school, you are called to shine the light of Christ and season the world with His truth. Living out this faith in the public square, rather than sitting on the sidelines, is essential to fulfilling this mandate.

Salt and Light in a Corrupt World

Jesus’ followers are called to engage the culture and be a witness for biblical values. There’s no such thing as a private faith in this calling. Salt and light are visible and transformative.

Salt preserves and flavors—without it, food is bland and spoils. In the same way, Christians are called to preserve truth and give flavor to a world that is decaying in sin. Light, on the other hand, shines into darkness. It reveals truth, brings clarity, and dispels confusion. Jesus calls us to let our light shine so that others may see our good works and glorify God.

The Qualities of Salt and Light

1. Salt’s Properties
   In Jesus’ time, salt was a precious commodity. Roman soldiers were even paid in salt. Today, salt has many uses—from preserving food to treating sore throats, it is a necessity in many areas of life. In the same way, the Christian’s role as salt is multifaceted, offering preservation and healing in a broken world.
2. Light’s Properties
   Light is essential for life. Without it, plants can’t grow, and humans suffer in darkness. In the Bible, light is a metaphor for truth. Jesus Himself is called the “Light of the World” (John 8:12). As followers of Christ, we are to reflect His light, revealing the truth of the gospel to a darkened world.

Salt and Light: Sustaining Life

Both salt and light are crucial to sustaining life. Salt prevents decay and adds flavor, while light brings life and growth. Christians, likewise, are to offer life-giving hope to a decaying and corrupt world. The world needs the purifying and preserving effects of Christian influence, and it is up to believers to bring that light to a society that so desperately needs it.

Purifying and Healing Qualities

Salt and light also have healing properties. Salt can cleanse wounds, while light can disinfect and bring healing. As Christians, we are to have a healing presence in the world, offering the hope of Jesus to those who are lost and broken. Just as salt heals wounds and light purifies, we are to bring the purifying message of the gospel to a culture in need of redemption.

Engaging Culture: Salt and Light Change Things

Salt penetrates food and enhances its flavor. Light penetrates darkness and transforms it into brightness. Christians are called to penetrate culture with the message of Jesus. We are not called to be passive or neutral, but active agents of change. By living out our faith in a tangible way, we can flavor the world with God’s truth and shine His light into the darkness.

Conclusion: The Mandate to Be Salt and Light

Jesus’ mandate to be salt and light is a challenge for all believers. We are called to have a global impact, not by hiding our faith or being passive, but by engaging with the world around us. This is not a task for the faint of heart—it requires courage and commitment to stand up for biblical truth in a world that often opposes it.

Wherever you are, you have the opportunity to be salt and light. Let your faith be visible, let your actions reflect Christ, and let your influence shine for the glory of God.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

We’re picking back up our Sermon on the Mount series, specifically diving into our second conversation about “The Beatitudes.” Today, we’ll explore what it means to be truly “blessed,” and how Jesus reframes our understanding of the good life.

What Does It Mean to Be Blessed?

We begin with the word “blessed,” a term both religious and cultural. In many contexts, people view being blessed as a sign of divine favor. It’s a common word, often seen on decorative pillows or social media with hashtags like #Blessed, where people celebrate their good fortune.

But what does it really mean? Is it a vague sense of God’s presence, or something deeper?

In the original Greek text of the New Testament, the word for “blessed” is makarios, which literally means “to be happy” or “fortunate.” Yet, Jesus’s use of makarios in the Beatitudes goes far beyond temporary happiness based on circumstances. He’s referring to a deep, spiritual contentment—an objective state of well-being that isn’t swayed by life’s ups and downs.

The Beatitudes: A Call to Empty Ourselves

Two weeks ago, we explored the first three Beatitudes:

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit.
2. Blessed are those who mourn.
3. Blessed are the meek.

These first three emphasize emptying ourselves—dying to self. Jesus teaches that the blessed life isn’t found in strength or self-sufficiency but in recognizing our weaknesses and depending on God. God blesses weakness over strength, and these Beatitudes remind us to humble ourselves before Him.

Hungering and Thirsting for Righteousness

In Matthew 5:6, Jesus shifts from emptiness to fullness: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

Jesus calls us to hunger for a deeper kind of righteousness—not the self-righteousness that comes from following rules but the righteousness that comes as a gift through faith in Him. Obeying the letter of the law can lead to pride and judgment, but true righteousness is a gift that we receive through Christ. Those who pursue this kind of righteousness will be filled.

Being Merciful and Receiving Mercy

Next, in Matthew 5:7, we read: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

Mercy is withholding the judgment or punishment someone deserves. As recipients of God’s mercy, we are called to show mercy to others. If we refuse to extend mercy, we’re being both hypocritical and judgmental. Jesus promises that those who show mercy will continue to receive it from God.

Purity of Heart and Seeing God

In Matthew 5:8, Jesus continues: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

The Pharisees of Jesus’s time focused on outward cleanliness, but Jesus emphasizes inward purity. The ritual cleansing practices in the Mosaic law were meant to point to the greater cleansing we need—of the heart. Only Jesus can purify our hearts, and it’s through this purification that we are able to truly see God, both now and in eternity.

Peacemakers: Reflecting the Nature of God

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

To be a peacemaker means to actively pursue reconciliation and peace in all relationships. It’s not merely avoiding conflict but working to bring about true peace. As God reconciled humanity to Himself through Jesus, we are called to be agents of peace, reflecting God’s nature as His children.

Persecution: The Ultimate Test of Faith

Jesus closes the Beatitudes with a sobering truth: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)

Persecution for faith is not something most of us experience daily, but Jesus warns us to be prepared. Persecution is part of the Christian life, and we must stand firm, trusting in the ultimate reward—the kingdom of heaven.

Application: Living Out the Beatitudes

As we wrap up this series on the Beatitudes, let’s apply three principles to our lives:

1. God Blesses Weakness Over Strength
   The Beatitudes remind us that God’s power is perfected in our weakness. When we embrace our dependence on Him, we are truly blessed.
2. The Good Life is Defined by Love
   True happiness comes not from possessions or power but from embodying the love of God. To hunger for righteousness, be merciful, and pursue peace are all acts of love.
3. The Blessed Life is Cruciform
   The life Jesus blesses is shaped by the cross. It involves dying to self and living for Christ, enduring suffering for His sake. But in the end, the cross leads to resurrection and vindication.

Conclusion: The Path to True Happiness

Jesus’s Beatitudes offer a countercultural path to happiness. It’s not about accumulating wealth or avoiding hardship but about living a life shaped by love, mercy, and sacrifice. In following this path, we find the true blessing of God’s kingdom. So, as we go through this week, let’s lean into our weaknesses, embody love, and live lives shaped by the cross.

How would you describe the “Good Life”? There are no wrong answers unless you’re not being truthful with yourself. Go ahead—take that time to reflect.

The idea of the “Good Life” is something we all yearn for, whether consciously or subconsciously. It drives many of our decisions, actions, and desires for ourselves, our families, and our communities. But what does it truly mean to live the “Good Life”?

In today’s culture, the phrase often brings to mind things like success, wealth, health, and happiness. But what if there’s more to it? Jesus offers a radically different perspective on the good life—one that turns cultural expectations upside down. His teaching in the Sermon on the Mount redefines this concept, revealing a pathway that many might not initially expect.

Introducing the Beatitudes: The Narrow Path to the Good Life

For the past few weeks, we’ve been unpacking the context of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He presents a vision for what is often referred to as the “Narrow Path.” While we typically associate the narrow path with sacrifice, discipline, and purpose, what’s fascinating is that Jesus begins His sermon by describing the good life. But here’s the twist: He redefines it completely.

In Matthew 5:3-12, we encounter the “Beatitudes”—a manifesto of values for living in God’s Kingdom. In these verses, Jesus outlines a countercultural idea of what it means to be blessed, which He directly ties to living the good life.

The Upside-Down Kingdom

In the first century, many people believed that those who were wealthy, healthy, and strictly observant of religious laws were the ones living the “blessed” life. However, Jesus flips this idea on its head, ushering in what can only be described as an “upside-down kingdom.”

Jesus’ teachings in the Beatitudes challenge the status quo, causing His listeners—and us today—to ask a vital question: Am I in or out? Am I living by the values of this upside-down kingdom, or am I still chasing the world’s definition of success?

The Beatitudes: Eight Markers of a Blessed Life

Matthew 5:3-12 contains eight “Blessed are” statements that describe what it looks like to live a life aligned with the Kingdom of God. These are not suggestions or optional attributes for Jesus’ followers; they are essential qualities. The Beatitudes are character traits that open the door to true happiness and fulfillment in God’s kingdom.

Let’s focus on the first three today:

1. Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
(Matthew 5:3)

Here, Jesus isn’t referring to material poverty but rather to spiritual poverty. To be “poor in spirit” means recognizing our deep need for God, realizing that apart from Him, we are spiritually bankrupt. This acknowledgment is the starting point for entering into the Kingdom of Heaven. It’s about seeing our emptiness and receiving God’s fullness.

The promise attached to this Beatitude is profound: theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The poor in spirit not only have the hope of eternal life, but they also experience the reign of God in their lives here and now.

2. Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
(Matthew 5:4)

This can be understood in two ways: emotional mourning and spiritual mourning.

In the first sense, those who grieve personal loss, suffering, or hardship are promised divine comfort. Life’s trials often shape our character in ways that ease cannot. It is through mourning and brokenness that God forms us into stronger, more compassionate people.

In the second sense, this could refer to mourning over our sinfulness—grieving the ways we have fallen short of God’s standards. When we come to God in repentance, He offers comfort and the promise of forgiveness.

3. Blessed Are the Meek

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
(Matthew 5:5)

Meekness is often misunderstood as weakness. But meekness is actually strength under control. It’s about humility and considering others as more important than ourselves. Jesus Himself was the epitome of meekness, yet He was never weak.

The promise for the meek is striking: they will inherit the earth. This speaks to a future reward in God’s Kingdom, where those who live with humility and selflessness will reign with Christ.

A Radical Shift in Values

What Jesus is teaching here is completely countercultural. He invites us to embrace values that the world dismisses—poverty of spirit, mourning, meekness. These qualities seem backward, but they are the gateway to the good life, a life blessed by God.

God Blesses Weakness Over Strength

Here’s the first takeaway for today: God blesses weakness over strength. Reflect again on the words Jesus uses—poor, mourn, meek. These traits don’t align with the world’s emphasis on power, success, and self-reliance. But Jesus turns this thinking on its head. True strength is found in dependence on God and living with humility and tenderness.

Conclusion: Rethinking the Good Life

In a world that glorifies success and strength, Jesus teaches us that the truly blessed life is found in humility, dependence on God, and a heart of love for others. This is the first key to the good life: embracing our weaknesses and allowing God to fill us with His strength.

Next week, we’ll continue exploring the remaining Beatitudes, each offering more insight into living the blessed life Jesus describes.

Let’s begin applying these principles now, considering areas in our lives where we’ve prioritized worldly strength over godly meekness and vulnerability.

Are you ready to walk the narrow path?

Welcome back to Week 2 of our sermon series focused on the Sermon on the Mount. Last week, we began with an introduction to the series and touched on a few critical truths about discipleship in the first century. Let’s catch up on some key points:

In the time of Jesus, being a disciple meant more than just learning information from a rabbi—it was about following the rabbi everywhere, knowing what the rabbi knew, doing what the rabbi did, and becoming like the rabbi.

We discussed how teenagers in that culture, as young as 15 years old, would leave everything behind to commit themselves entirely to becoming like their rabbi. This context helps us understand the depth of discipleship.

The Sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew 5-7, is one of the best resources to learn what Jesus thinks about the world, how He made a difference, and how we, as modern-day disciples, can be like Him.

Setting the Biblical Context for the Sermon

Before we dive deeper into the Sermon on the Mount, it’s essential to understand the larger biblical context. Today, we’ll briefly explore what happens just before the sermon in Matthew 4, which sets the stage for Jesus’ teaching.

In Matthew 4, Jesus begins to gather His apprentices, announce the good news of the Gospel, and heal the sick. His message starts to spread, and people come from all over to see Him—Galilee, Syria, Decapolis, and Jerusalem.

But just before the sermon begins, Jesus introduces a key idea: the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 4:17 tells us that Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

This phrase is crucial because it summarizes Jesus’ teaching. But the word “repent” needs some unpacking. In Hebrew, “repent” literally means “turn around” or “walk the other way.” In the original Greek, it also means a transformation of mindset—change your mind and your actions.

Jesus is saying that something significant is happening that requires a change in direction, and that something is the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Call to Change Direction

The message Jesus brings is clear: stop, turn around, and go in a different direction because the Kingdom of Heaven is here. This isn’t just about avoiding disaster—it’s an invitation to participate in something new and life-changing.

Throughout the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus unpacks this idea of walking a new path. He makes it clear that following Him requires a decision—a choice between two paths. And this is where we encounter one of His most famous teachings.

Two Paths: The Narrow and the Wide

In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus says:
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Jesus is offering two paths: the narrow gate that leads to life and the broad gate that leads to destruction.

While it might seem overly simplistic to offer just two options, Jesus is doing this with great intention. The narrow path may be more difficult, but it leads to life. The broad path is easy and popular, but it leads to destruction.

This teaching isn’t just about good versus bad morality or heaven versus hell. Jesus is calling us to a life of transformation now—a life that reflects the radical nature of His Kingdom.

What Path Are You On?

This leads to a critical question for all of us: what path are you on?

The narrow path isn’t about strict moralism, nor is it about simply doing religious things. It’s about being deeply formed by Jesus. You can go to church, join a small group, and pray before meals yet still be on the broad path.

The Sermon on the Mount challenges us to examine our hearts and our motivations. Are we truly walking with Jesus, or are we merely following religious norms?

Indicators of the Broad Path

Pastor Rich Villodas, in his book on the Sermon on the Mount, offers three statements that can help us evaluate whether we’re on the broad path:

1. You believe God cares only about your behavior, not your heart (moralism).
2. You have a superficial vision of what the “good life” is (successism).
3. You see spirituality as just you and God (individualism).

These three traps—moralism, successism, and individualism—are deeply ingrained in our culture and can lead us astray from the narrow path.

Moralism: More Than Behavior

Moralism says that God is only concerned with our actions, not our hearts. But Jesus challenges this by caring about who we are becoming, not just what we do. True discipleship goes deeper than behavior modification—it transforms our hearts.

Successism: Redefining the Good Life

Many avoid the narrow path because they believe there’s a better option elsewhere—one that offers more fun, freedom, or fulfillment. But Jesus calls us to redefine the “good life” based on His Kingdom, not the American dream.

Individualism: Living for Others

Our culture celebrates individualism—“I did it my way.” But Jesus calls us to a different kind of freedom, one that exists for serving God and others. Galatians 5:13 reminds us that our freedom is meant for service, not self-indulgence.

Conclusion: The Narrow Path of Jesus

The narrow path is not about how many people will end up in heaven; it’s about how many will allow themselves to be formed by the redemptive way of Jesus.

Jesus calls us to turn around, change, and go in a different direction as the Kingdom of God comes to earth. This challenge is central to the Sermon on the Mount, and it’s one we’ll continue to explore in the coming weeks.

Next week, we’ll dive deeper into the specific teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount and how they can transform our lives.

Today marks the start of an exciting journey as we begin a new sermon series on one of the most profound sections of Scripture—the Sermon on the Mount. As a preacher, moments like this are exhilarating because they provide an opportunity to delve into the depths of God’s Word and witness how it shapes us as followers of Jesus.

This sermon series doesn’t need a fancy title because the content speaks for itself. We’re simply diving into “The Sermon on the Mount,” and over the next few weeks, we’ll be unpacking this revolutionary message delivered by Jesus.

Understanding the Sermon on the Mount

The Sermon on the Mount is found in Matthew chapters 5-7 and, although short, it contains the essence of Jesus’ teaching. Scot McKnight describes it as “the moral portrait of Jesus’ own people.” Rich Villodas calls it, humorously, “the most amazing TED Talk ever recorded.”

But why is this sermon so significant? Jesus wasn’t just giving a lecture on morality; He was painting a picture of the Kingdom of God, a vision that sparked both joy and fear because of the divine authority with which He spoke.

Historical Context: First Century Israel Under Roman Rule

To fully appreciate the Sermon on the Mount, it’s essential to understand its historical context. Jesus preached in first-century Israel, a land occupied by the Romans. The Jewish people lived under oppression, reduced to laborers on their ancestral land, heavily taxed by the Roman empire. Poverty was rampant, and Roman soldiers could force any Jew into slave-like tasks at any moment. This was the daily reality in which Jesus taught, and it’s what makes His words about loving enemies, being the salt of the earth, and not judging so radical. They were spoken in the midst of intense hardship and oppression.

Discipleship: More Than Following, Becoming Like the Rabbi

The Sermon on the Mount is all about discipleship, but what does it mean to be a disciple? In first-century Jewish culture, being a disciple wasn’t just about learning information. Disciples didn’t merely want to know what the rabbi knew; they wanted to be like the rabbi.

This helps us understand Peter’s reaction when Jesus walked on water in Matthew 14:22-33. When Peter saw his rabbi walking on water, his immediate response was to step out of the boat. Why? Because Peter, as a disciple, wanted to do what Jesus did.

This story highlights what it means to be a disciple today. Following Jesus isn’t about knowing the right things; it’s about orienting our entire lives to be like Him, to take on His “yoke” and live out His teachings.

The Narrow Path of Discipleship

As we begin this journey through the Sermon on the Mount, it’s crucial to approach it with the right mindset. Rich Villodas, in his book The Narrow Path, offers an important perspective: the Sermon is not an instruction manual for salvation but a demonstration of it. Jesus is calling us to resist cultural norms and to live according to the Kingdom of God.

The themes of the Sermon on the Mount are challenging:

• How can I forgive someone who hurt me?
• Am I serving God or money?
• Is trust or anxiety shaping my life?
• Do I bless those who curse me?

These counter-cultural teachings invite us to walk a narrow path. It’s a life of trust, where we believe that Jesus’ ways, though often at odds with our own assumptions, lead to true fulfillment.

Conclusion: A Call to Transformation

The Sermon on the Mount is an invitation to radical discipleship. As we embark on this series, let’s open our hearts to the transformative words of Jesus. His call is not easy, but it’s the path to life. As Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, God’s ways are higher than ours, and trusting in His wisdom, even when it conflicts with our culture, leads to true freedom.

May we begin this journey with open hearts, ready to be shaped by the teachings of our Rabbi, Jesus.

The Regret of Missed Opportunities

Have you ever missed a flight? The frustration of seeing the plane pull away without you, knowing there’s nothing you can do, is overwhelming. What follows is often regret—wishing you had left earlier or moved faster. This regret isn’t just about a missed flight; it’s a metaphor for life. We all have moments where we look back and wish we had made different choices. Whether it’s in relationships, health, or careers, the choices we make—or fail to make—can lead to significant regrets.

The Top Five Regrets of the Dying

Bronnie Ware, an Australian palliative nurse, compiled the regrets of her patients in her book “The Top Five Regrets of the Dying.” These are powerful reflections from those at the end of their lives:

1. I wish I would have let myself be happier.

   People often found themselves stuck in old habits and patterns that prevented them from experiencing true happiness.

2. I wish I would have stayed in touch with good friends.

   The busyness of life often causes us to lose touch with those who matter most.

3. I wish I had the courage to express my feelings.

   Suppressing feelings to keep the peace can lead to stress and resentment, which may manifest in physical illness.

4. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.

   Many men regretted missing out on their children’s lives and the companionship of their spouses because they were chained to their careers.

5. I wish I had the courage to live true to myself versus the expectations of others.

   Trying to please others often results in a life unfulfilled, with dreams left unrealized.

These regrets are sobering reminders that life is fleeting, and the time to live fully and authentically is now.

The Conclusion of the Matter: Fear God and Keep His Commands

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 brings us to the heart of what really matters in life. After all the pondering, searching, and wisdom shared, the Teacher concludes with a simple yet profound truth: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” This is the essence of a life well-lived—a life that honors God in reverence and obedience.

The Teacher’s words are like goads, prodding us to move in the right direction. They are firmly embedded nails, providing a stable foundation for our lives. The pursuit of wisdom and knowledge is endless and can be exhausting, but the ultimate conclusion is clear: Fear God and keep His commands.

Faith Expressed Through Love

Galatians 5:6 echoes this conclusion by shifting the focus from religious rituals to what truly matters in the Christian life: “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”

Here, Paul emphasizes that outward religious acts are not what God desires. Instead, it’s about an inward transformation that is evidenced by faith expressed in love. This is the essence of living a life without regret—loving God and loving others, which is the true fulfillment of God’s commandments.

Living Without Regret

As we conclude this series, let’s reflect on our own lives. Are there areas where we are missing out because we are not living in alignment with God’s commands? Are there relationships that need mending, or dreams that we have yet to pursue? Ecclesiastes and Galatians remind us that living with reverence for God, keeping His commands, and expressing our faith through love are the keys to a life well-lived—a life with fewer regrets.

When the end of our life comes, may we look back with a sense of fulfillment rather than regret, knowing that we have lived faithfully, loved deeply, and walked humbly with our God.

The Curious Case of Aging in Reverse

The idea of wasted youth is flipped on its head in the story of “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” originally penned by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1922 and later adapted into a 2008 film. In this story, Benjamin Button is born as an old man and ages in reverse, growing younger as time passes. The narrative explores the anxiety and tragedy of a life lived backward, where the fear of losing loved ones is intertwined with the inevitability of becoming younger.

Solomon’s Wisdom: A Life Backward in Ecclesiastes

In Ecclesiastes 11 and 12, King Solomon presents a reflection that parallels this reversed aging concept, flipping the script on the idea that youth is wasted on the young. As we approach the conclusion of our summer sermon series, “Living Life Backwards,” we find Solomon summarizing his observations about life and God.

Ecclesiastes is essentially the journal of an old king—Solomon, the third king of Israel, who ruled nearly three thousand years ago. Solomon ascended to the throne as a young man, likely around 17 or 18 years old, and began his reign with great wisdom granted by God. However, as he aged, Solomon’s heart turned away from God, influenced by his numerous pagan wives. This led him to pursue wealth, women, and worldly pleasures, all of which he later deemed “meaningless.”

The Futility of Life Without God

Throughout Ecclesiastes, Solomon repeats the word “meaningless” 38 times, describing life without God as a futile endeavor—a chasing after the wind. He illustrates the emptiness of seeking fulfillment in anything other than a relationship with God, a conclusion many come to after a life spent chasing worldly pleasures.

The good news, however, is that Solomon seems to have returned to God at the end of his life. He concludes that true fulfillment comes only from a life centered around God. This realization forms the basis of his final advice, particularly to the young: “Enjoy life while you are young because you are going to get old and die!” (Ecclesiastes 11:9)

The Wisdom of Living God’s Way

Solomon’s advice might seem stark, but it carries a deep truth: Enjoy life, but don’t pursue pleasure at the expense of your relationship with God. True fulfillment comes from living life God’s way. This is a lesson we’ve all witnessed, whether in our own lives or in the lives of others. When we live contrary to God’s design, we often encounter shame, guilt, broken relationships, and other painful consequences.

For example, consider the gift of sex. When experienced within the bounds of marriage, as God intended, it brings fulfillment. But when pursued outside of God’s design, it can lead to heartache, betrayal, and regret. Solomon’s point is clear: life goes better when we follow God’s way.

Remembering Your Creator: The Key to a Fulfilling Life

In Ecclesiastes 12:1, Solomon urges us to “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth.” He specifically chooses the title “Creator” for God, emphasizing His power and sovereignty over all things. By remembering our Creator, we lead a God-focused, God-surrendered life.

Solomon uses poetic language in Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 to describe the process of aging. He paints a vivid picture of the physical decline that comes with age, urging us to remember God before “the days of trouble come” and before our bodies begin to fail.

The Curveball: Youth Is Relative

The big reveal in Solomon’s message is that “youth” is a relative concept. He suggests that anyone who has not yet reached the stage of physical and mental decline described in Ecclesiastes 12:3-8 can consider themselves young. Therefore, the call to remember our Creator applies to all of us, regardless of age.

Living with No Regrets

As followers of Jesus, Solomon’s perspective encourages us to make the most of every day. The “youth” of this moment in our lives should inspire us to live with no regrets, giving God all of who we are. By remembering our Creator, we align our lives with His purpose and find true fulfillment, no matter how many years we may live.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Youth, Embrace Your Creator

In conclusion, Solomon’s wisdom in Ecclesiastes serves as a powerful reminder that life without God is ultimately meaningless. Whether we are young or old, we are called to remember our Creator, live according to His ways, and find true fulfillment in Him. Life is fleeting, and the opportunity to live a life of substance and spiritual legacy is now—so let’s embrace it fully.