I don’t think the author of Ecclesiastes, known as Qoheleth, was commenting on farming practices as much as cautioning us about seeking perfect conditions before beginning our work. Seeking perfection is a sign that we believe we are in control and that the outcome of our work is entirely in our own hands. Qoheleth disabuses us of this notion when he says, “Just as you do not know how the life breath enters the human frame in the mother’s womb, so you do not know the work of God, who is working in everything” (Eccl 11:5).
Lately I have become more aware that in whatever I do, my “work” is to dispose myself to the action of God. It is only by being open to what God wants to do through me that I achieve anything. Our role in our partnership with God is to be open to and cooperate with God’s spirit. Thus we can let go of the desire for success from the work of “our” hands and trust that God is working in everything, even in what seems to be failure.
Jesus had every reason to believe that his life was a failure when he was hanging on the cross. The crowds who enthusiastically welcomed him into the city abandoned him a few days later when he stopped performing miracles. Jesus’ message about God’s love and forgiveness seemingly fell on deaf ears, and ultimately he was scorned and crucified like a criminal. Yet his surrender to God’s work through him—not just in life and death but in resurrection—ultimately led to new life for all people. Through Jesus’ willingness to dispose himself to the action of God, the great triumph of God’s love was displayed for all to see.
If we truly understand what Easter means, we won’t pay heed to the wind or watch the clouds but be diligent in doing the work to which we are called, leaving the outcome in God’s capable hands.
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