Mysteries of God – Preaching
Preaching Outline on Ecclesiastes 11:5 – “As thou knowest not the way of the wind, nor how the bones are formed in the womb of a woman with child, so thou knowest not the works of God, who maketh all things.”
Theme: Mysteries of God
Objective: To show that there are mysteries in God’s works of creation and to reveal that he has a plan of redemption for humanity. This project ceases to be a mystery when God reveals himself to man through Jesus Christ.
Introduction to Ecclesiastes 11:5
Solomon is credited with the authorship of the book of Ecclesiastes (chapters 1:1 and 16). This book is a profound reflection on human life and its limitations. In it, Solomon concludes that as long as man is outside of God’s purpose, everything he accomplishes ends up being empty and meaningless.
Let’s reflect on the mysteries of God mentioned in Ecclesiastes 11:5. The text invites us to recognize that, just as we don’t understand the path of the wind or the miracle of the formation of a new life, we also don’t fully understand the works of God. However, God, in His goodness, reveals Himself to man through Jesus Christ, making clear His plan of redemption.
Development
Path of the wind – The unfathomable work of the Holy Spirit
The text talks about the “path of the wind”, something that man cannot control, determine or predict. This brings us to the work of the Holy Spirit, who acts in a mysterious and sovereign way.
- The wind and the Spirit:
In John 3:8, Jesus uses a similar metaphor: “The wind blows where it wishes, you hear its voice, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Like the wind, the Holy Spirit works in an invisible but powerful way, transforming hearts and accomplishing His will.
Man cannot control or manipulate the Holy Spirit. All we can do is submit to His guidance, trusting that He knows what is best for us.
How bones are formed in the womb – The miracle of new birth
The formation of a new life in a mother’s womb is a true miracle. Every detail, from the formation of the bones to the baby’s complete development, is the work of God’s hands.
The parallel with the new spiritual birth:
Just as physical life begins with a miracle, spiritual life is also the fruit of a divine miracle. In John 3:3, Jesus says: “Truly, truly, I say to you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” The new birth is a work of the Holy Spirit, who transforms man’s heart and brings him into God’s eternal purpose.
We are not saved by our own strength, but by God’s grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 states: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
You don’t know the works of God – God’s project of redemption
God has a perfect plan for every human life: the plan of redemption. This plan, which was once a mystery, was revealed through Jesus Christ.
From the foundation of the world, God planned to save humanity through Jesus. Ephesians 1:4-5 teaches us: “Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him; and in love predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will.”
Jesus, the way to God’s project:
To participate in this project, there is only one way: Jesus Christ. He himself declared in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me.” This path is marked by humility, love and obedience to God’s Word.
Conclusion of Ecclesiastes 11:5
God’s mysteries are unfathomable, but they cease to be an enigma when we draw close to him. To understand God’s works and participate in his project of redemption, we need to be in his presence and walk the path he has prepared for us.
Today, the Lord is showing us this path through Jesus Christ. He invites us to abandon our autonomy and surrender to his grace. When we accept this invitation, we begin to experience God’s eternal purpose for our lives.
“God reveals his mysteries to those who sincerely seek his face.”
May we, today, open our hearts to God and allow him to guide us along the path of life.
Amen.
Preaching Outline on Ecclesiastes 11:5 – “As thou knowest not the way of the wind, nor how the bones are formed in the womb of a woman with child, so thou knowest not the works of God, who maketh all things.”
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