Eat, drink, and be merry

Matters of Faith

By Dr. Bascom Ratliff, pastor

Beagle, Fontana and Parker United Methodist Churches

Scripture (NRSV): Ecclesiastes 8:15 & Luke 12: 15-21. “Eat, drink, and be merry”...

Today’s message is both a caution and an invitation. The passage in Ecclesiastes appears to be an invitation to enjoy life as a simple gift from God. The passage in Luke is the parable of a rich man and warns against our desire for wealth and possessions at the expense of godly treasures.

In the first passage it appears that God is asking us to live every day fully in our relationship with him and others. We celebrate each day. We live fully each day. We live one day at a time. We enjoy our relationships with others. Life is good. And God wants us to live our life fully, assured by his love and word that he will care for us and provide for us.

However, I think Ecclesiastes also carries a caution. If this life is all we have, it’s pointless. It’s  disappointing. Gathering wealth and status are meaningless. Flesh and belongings do not inherit the kingdom of God. After death, we lose everything. When we leave this earth, we leave everything behind. Although Solomon did not know about Jesus when he wrote Ecclesiastes, I believe that he would’ve added a footnote to Ecclesiastes to suggest that our only hope for meaning and value is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

The passage in Luke is clearly a warning that if our focus is on wealth and material goods, we are doomed. In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us that rather than store up for ourselves treasures on earth, we should store up treasures in heaven because where our treasure is our hearts will be also. Jesus’s invitation is that we do good every day, that we love one another, and that we treasure our relationship with God and others. These are the kinds of treasures that we can, and do, take with us when we leave this earth.

Jesus gives us lasting assurances of his love and care. Through Christ we have hope. We are guaranteed a seat at his banquet table in heaven. We do not have to face an empty death. We share in his resurrection.

The passages in Ecclesiastes and Luke and Matthew also are a challenge for us. God is asking us to live a life worthy of his blessing. We are asked to treasure our relationships and do good for others and to celebrate our membership in God’s kingdom. God wants us to have a good life while living on this earth (to eat, drink, and be merry) and to share that goodness with others. 

Additionally, I believe that God wants us to appreciate and celebrate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and to build our trust and faith in him. It’s important that we stop worrying about tomorrow ( this is offensive to God) and live fully each day. And we remember our simple faith by confessing our sins and believing that Jesus is our Savior.  

Celebrating our relationship with Jesus is pleasing to God. Enjoying our Christian life each day is pleasing to God. Sharing the good news with others and always being appreciative of the great gifts of God gives meaning and strength to each day as we eat and drink and enjoy the wonder of God’s many gifts.

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If you are seeking a church family to join you in your journey with Jesus, I encourage you to consider attending our church services at the Parker, Beagle, and Fontana United Methodist Churches. Our service times and details are listed below. Please know that when you attend, you will be provided an enthusiastic worship service and the great fellowship of fellow believers. 

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We will have Sunday morning services during the month of August at 10 a.m. at the Parker United Methodist Church.

We will have Sunday morning services during the month of September at 10 a.m. at the Beagle UMC.

We will have Sunday morning services during the month of October at 10 a.m. at the Fontana UMC.

We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of each month.

All are welcome in God’s House.  Come and celebrate the risen Christ.

Dr. Bascom Ratliff  (913-710-5748)

Pastor: Parker/Beagle/Fontana 

United Methodist Churches