Gus Cameron

4 April 2026

John 6:30-36

Gus Cameron

4 April 2026

30 So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”
32 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
34 “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.”
35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Mary Hong

In this chapter we have been learning about Jesus’ ministry and the miraculous signs that He has been doing, which have led to crowds following Him wherever he goes. We heard how Jesus fed five thousand with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes on the far side of the lake, then crossed back to Capernaum the next morning. It was not long before the crowds come looking for Him again. In yesterday’s passage, Jesus questioned them to show that the reason they came to look for Him was not because they saw the meaning of the signs, but for bread to be physically full and satisfied.

So Jesus said to them: “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” (v27)

When the crowd hears this, in today’s passage, they yet again ask Jesus for a sign: “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do?” (v30) Once again, this does not show their faith, but their blindness. They ask for a sign despite witnessing the miracles Jesus had performed the day before.

But Jesus does not answer harshly. He responds by telling them they need to ask for the true bread which comes from heaven: “For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world” (v33).

Not surprisingly, the crowd ask Jesus to give them this bread, but they still don’t understand. Jesus knew that they were not aware the Messiah had already come. So Jesus responded with a clear statement of who he is and what he offers: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (v35)

However, they still refuse to see and believe Him as the Messiah (v36).

As I reflect on my testimony and the early days when I was finding out more about Jesus, I realise that I can relate to the people in the crowds. In fact, I admit that I would have probably been like them, just coming along for a free meal. I recall making excuses because I was reluctant to accept the truth.

Friends, as you reflect on this passage, be reminded that we need faith in Jesus just as much as we need bread. Just as our physical bodies need to be fed, so too do we need to be spiritually fed. Jesus came to be the bread of life that truly satisfies so that we will never hunger and thirst again. I pray we always remain faithful and thankful for the life we have in Christ Jesus.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary is a member of our Bossley Park morning congregation.

Gus Cameron

3 April 2026

John 6:22-29

Gus Cameron

3 April 2026

22 The next day, the crowd that had remained on the other side of the sea realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not boarded it with His disciples, but they had gone away alone. 23 However, some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor His disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum to look for Him. 25 When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they asked Him, “Rabbi, when did You get here?”
26 Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, it is not because you saw these signs that you are looking for Me, but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.”
28 Then they inquired, “What must we do to perform the works of God?”
29 Jesus replied, “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Vinh Dang

Following on from Wednesday’s passage, the crowd who witnessed the miraculous signs went looking for Jesus across the sea, which at first seems like a sign of dedication and faith. They even traveled by boat just to find Him. But Jesus reveals in verse 26 that their search was not about understanding who He was. Instead, they were drawn by the miracle of feeding a huge crowd, and they wanted more of what He could give for their physical needs.

This challenges me to think about the reasons behind my own faith. Sometimes it is easy to come to God mainly when I want something – for example, help with a problem, or a need in life. In those moments, my focus can become similar to the crowd’s—seeking a miraculous sign or the “bread” rather than seeking Jesus Himself.

Jesus’ response shifts the focus from temporary needs to eternal needs. In verse 27, He tells them not to work for food that perishes but for food that lasts forever. This reminds me that many things I spend energy on—success, comfort, possessions—are temporary. They may satisfy me for a moment, but they cannot truly fulfill a deeper hunger.

Further on in the passage, Jesus responds to their question, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” Instead of listing actions or rules, He simply says that the work of God is to believe in the One He has sent. This tells me that faith is not about earning God’s approval through effort. It is about trusting in Jesus and recognizing Him as the source of true life.

This passage encourages me to examine my priorities. Am I chasing temporary satisfaction, or am I seeking the deeper, lasting life that Jesus offers? It reminds me that true spiritual nourishment does not come from temporary things like food or material gain, but it comes from faith in Christ.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vinh is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.

Gus Cameron

2 April 2026

John 6:14-21

Gus Cameron

2 April 2026

14 When the people saw the sign that Jesus had performed, they began to say, “Truly this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.”
15 Then Jesus, realizing that they were about to come and make Him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by Himself.
16 When evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was already dark, and Jesus had not yet gone out to them. 18 A strong wind was blowing, and the sea grew agitated.
19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the sea—and they were terrified. 20 But Jesus spoke up: “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they were willing to take Him into the boat, and at once the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Lauren Sing

In today’s passage, we see the glory of Jesus, who the Old Testament prophets wrote about, and we also see the response of those who have been expecting him.

The Jews were eagerly anticipating the arrival of the great Prophet who Moses spoke about in Deuteronomy 18:15, and they had been looking for signs of his coming. Jesus’ teaching and miracles have rightly convinced them that Jesus IS the prophet they were expecting. But Jesus is so much more than just a prophet. Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, born as a man to fulfil God's plan to save us. The crowd are also misguided in thinking that Jesus came to be a political leader and to sit on an earthly throne. That is why Jesus, the heavenly king, departs from the approval of the crowd.

Jesus then shows his disciples another miracle. Through the disciples' trust in Jesus and Jesus’ care for them, he is able to bring them safely through the storm, back across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum. Despite their initial fear at the supernatural help they are receiving from Jesus, he is able to calm them by reassuring them of who he is. Jesus, the Messiah, has complete control over nature and is able to perform miraculous wonders.

In response to what we’ve read in John 6, we can thank God for the gift of Jesus, and that Jesus perfectly fulfils the Old Testament covenants and prophesies – fully man and fully God, that He is trustworthy and deserving of all praise and glory. Even in dark times, when it feels like we are rowing a boat against a fierce current in the pitch black of night, may we be able to fully trust in God’s timing and that he will sustain us in His power and strength.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lauren is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

Gus Cameron

1 April 2026

John 6:1-13

Gus Cameron

1 April 2026

1 After this, Jesus crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias). 2 A large crowd followed Him because they saw the signs He was performing on the sick. 3 Then Jesus went up on the mountain and sat down with His disciples.
4 Now the Jewish Feast of the Passover was near. 5 When Jesus looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 But He was asking this to test him, for He knew what He was about to do.
7 Philip answered, “Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to have a small piece.”
8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, 9 “Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish. But what difference will these make among so many?”
10 “Have the people sit down,” Jesus said. Now there was plenty of grass in that place, so the men sat down, about five thousand of them.
11 Then Jesus took the loaves and the fish, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted.
12 And when everyone was full, He said to His disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over, so that nothing will be wasted.”
13 So they collected them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Stephen Shead

This month we are returning to the Gospel of John. John’s purpose in writing this biography of Jesus is to show us that “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” so that we might believe in him and find life (John 20:31). In the first few chapters, John has related some of the miraculous signs Jesus did. John doesn’t call them “miracles,” he calls them “signs” because they weren’t just to be impressive. They were like signposts pointing to who Jesus is.

By chapter 5, those signs had started to bring heat from the religious authorities, who were suspicious of Jesus … or maybe they just didn’t want their power threatened. Perhaps that heat is why Jesus now withdraws to a more remote Gentile area, across the Sea of Galilee. If so, it didn’t get him out of the limelight. Crowds of Jews followed him there, because of his miraculous healings (v 2). But that gave Jesus another opportunity for a sign of his glory – in this case, feeding a multitude in a remote place.

I was intrigued by John’s note that “the Jewish Feast of the Passover was near” (v 4). Why does he include that detail? Perhaps to highlight the connection between this sign and the Exodus. The Passover was God’s great rescue of his people through Moses, and it also led to their journey in the wilderness, where God provided for them with manna from heaven. This signpost-miracle shows that Jesus is far greater than Moses – he is “equal with God” (John 5:18), because he himself is the one who miraculously provides for his people. In fact, later we’ll hear that Jesus is the “bread of life” – he is the true manna from heaven! And he doesn’t just provide enough; when it seems like his people will have nothing, he provides an abundant banquet for them.

I found that challenging. Do I really trust that Jesus will provide abundantly more than I need personally, or that we need as a church? His test to Philip – “Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?” (when he knew the answer) – felt like a test for me as well. Jesus knows what we need, and that he can do “so much more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). Do we really believe that?

Think about some of the things we need at St Barnabas right now. Then bring them to God through Jesus, and ask him to provide out of his abundant kindness, according to his infinite wisdom.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephen is our senior minister.

Gus Cameron

31 March 2026

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

Gus Cameron

31 March 2026

9 Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also taught the people knowledge; he pondered, searched out, and arranged many proverbs. 10 The Teacher searched to find delightful sayings and to record accurate words of truth.
11 The words of the wise are like goads, and the anthologies of the masters are like firmly embedded nails driven by a single Shepherd. 12 And by these, my son, be further warned: There is no end to the making of many books, and much study wearies the body.
13 When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Stephen Shead

I remember years ago I was the visiting preacher at a different church. I preached what I thought was a pretty good sermon. Then the service leader, who was their youth pastor, got up to conclude the service, and he gave a one-sentence summary of my sermon that captured the whole message far more clearly than I had managed with all my words. He had a greater gift than I do for getting the essence of something in a few words (which probably isn’t a surprise to anyone…).

This final passage in the book of Ecclesiastes wasn’t written by the Teacher, but by the anonymous editor who collected and wrote down the proverbs of the Teacher. Even though this editor only wrote a tiny portion of the final book, I love how he has taken all the Teacher’s profound, challenging, uncomfortable truths, and distilled them into the most important thing we need to hear: There is a great day of judgment coming, so fear God – that is, trust him, and obey him. That message was scattered throughout the Teacher’s work, but this unknown editor has allowed us to see it with crystal clarity.

We saw something similar in Sunday’s passage from Matthew: Jesus taught many things, but the most urgent and important thing he preached was the message of “the kingdom of heaven”, that is, the gospel (Matt. 4:17). That gospel includes the same warning of the coming judgment, and the call to “fear God and give Him glory” (see Revelation 14:6-7). But the glorious relief of the gospel is that God has already brought “every deed” and “every hidden thing” into judgment. He judged sin itself “by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin … so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:3-4).

The Teacher had a wonderful gift for pushing people who want to exclude God to face the futility of life without him, and to see that it’s impossible for us to get over the problem of death. Maybe there’s someone you need to have that conversation with? But make sure you also include the only solution there is – that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and whoever believes in him will live and never die (John 11:25-26).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephen is our Senior Minister.

Gus Cameron

30 March 2026

Ecclesiastes 12:1-8

Gus Cameron

30 March 2026

1 Remember your Creator in the days of your youth,
before the days of adversity come
and the years approach of which you will say,
“I find no pleasure in them,”
2 before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is darkened,
and the clouds return after the rain,
3 on the day the keepers of the house tremble
and the strong men stoop,
when those grinding cease because they are few
and those watching through windows see dimly,
4 when the doors to the street are shut
and the sound of the mill fades away,
when one rises at the sound of a bird
and all the daughters of song grow faint,
5 when men fear the heights and dangers of the road,
when the almond tree blossoms,
the grasshopper loses its spring,
and the caper berry shrivels—
for then man goes to his eternal home
and mourners walk the streets.
6 Remember Him before the silver cord is snapped
and the golden bowl is crushed,
before the pitcher is shattered at the spring
and the wheel is broken at the well,
7 before the dust returns to the ground from which it came
and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
8 “Futility of futilities,” says the Teacher.
“Everything is futile!”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Stephen Shead

Early on in Ecclesiastes, I mentioned that as the Teacher probes life “under the sun” to try to find something of real and lasting value, he keeps running up against the same huge obstacle: Death. As he reaches the end of his great philosophical work, that’s the topic he turns to once again – or rather, growing old and dying.

I think this is one of the most achingly beautiful poems ever written. It’s not an easy poem – there’s imagery that is hard to decipher. But all the images are haunting word pictures of the process of getting old – your body becoming frail, eyesight and hearing growing weak, everything becoming slow and laborious as the spark of life ebbs away, until death arrives and the grave becomes your “eternal home” (v 5). (Well, “eternal” until Jesus returns to raise us! But that’s further than the Teacher can see.)

It’s a sad and reflective poem. But I don’t think the Teacher is bitter. In fact, he wants to teach us the antidote to becoming bitter as we get old: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of adversity come” (v 1).

When I was a teenager, I knew who I wanted to be like when I was old: my grandmother (“Granny” to us). She was widowed when I was little. My grandfather had been a pastor, and he and Granny had known the Lord Jesus and walked with him their entire lives. Granny was strong-willed and strong-minded; but she was also the gentlest soul who loved her Lord, loved people, and wanted more than anything for the gospel of Jesus to reach the ends of the earth.

And Granny aged gracefully. So gracefully! There was no bitterness, no resentment at what was happening to her, no anger at God for taking her husband. Only gentleness, love, and a deep thankfulness for her Saviour.

Sometimes you hear of people who say, “While I’m young, I want to live it up. I might think about God when I’m older, but I don’t want him to spoil my fun now.” But I think that’s a guaranteed way to become bitter and angry when you’re old – which will harden you to God. You’re training yourself to need to “live it up” and have fun in order to find contentment … which means you’ll be left empty and consumed with frustration when your body starts to break down.

That’s why it’s such an advantage to come to your Creator before the “days of adversity” come. Or in New Testament terms: The earlier you give your life to Christ and commit 100% to living for him and his kingdom, the better prepared you’ll be for bad times and for getting old. Please Lord, let me remember you now, and let me grow old like Granny.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephen is our Senior Minister.

Gus Cameron

28 March 2026

Ecclesiastes 11:1-10

Gus Cameron

28 March 2026

1 Cast your bread upon the waters,
for after many days you will find it again.
2 Divide your portion among seven, or even eight,
for you do not know what disaster may befall the land.
3 If the clouds are full,
they will pour out rain upon the earth;
whether a tree falls to the south or to the north,
in the place where it falls, there it will lie.
4 He who watches the wind will fail to sow,
and he who observes the clouds will fail to reap.
5 As you do not know the path of the wind,
or how the bones are formed in a mother’s womb,
so you cannot understand the work of God,
the Maker of all things.
6 Sow your seed in the morning,
and do not rest your hands in the evening,
for you do not know which will succeed,
whether this or that, or if both will equally prosper.
7 Light is sweet,
and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.
8 So if a man lives many years,
let him rejoice in them all.
But let him remember the days of darkness,
for they will be many.
Everything to come is futile.
9 Rejoice, O young man, while you are young,
and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth.
Walk in the ways of your heart
and in the sight of your eyes,
but know that for all these things
God will bring you to judgment.
10 So banish sorrow from your heart,
and cast off pain from your body,
for youth and vigor are fleeting.

REFLECTIONS

Written by James Davidson

Why do we live in a disaster-prone world? It’s because we live in a world under God’s curse due to human rebellion. As the Teacher says, we do not know what disaster may befall us next. Who saw the current war in the Middle East coming and the subsequent spike in fuel prices? Why does God send a flood in one area and drought in another? Why does one tree fall south into an open field and another fall north on to a house? There is so much about this world that we do not know and cannot understand, let alone control.

So how are we to live in such a world? The Teacher says there’s no point watching the wind or observing the clouds anxiously trying to predict where the next disaster will come from. That is beyond us and will only lead to neglecting to provide for ourselves. Rather we should work hard and work cleverly to provide for ourselves, so that we will have enough if some disaster does strike – like escalating fuel prices.

We should also “cast our bread upon the waters” – that is, we should be generous with any surplus we have, so that others will have enough if disaster strikes them. God has been generous to us in his Son; we should be generous to others so that they can be prepared for whatever disaster is yet to come.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James is one of our Assistant Ministers.

Gus Cameron

27 March 2026

Ecclesiastes 10:16-20

Gus Cameron

27 March 2026

16 Woe to you, O land whose king is a youth,
and whose princes feast in the morning.
17 Blessed are you, O land whose king is a son of nobles,
and whose princes feast at the proper time—
for strength and not for drunkenness.
18 Through laziness the roof caves in,
and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks.
19 A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry,
but money is the answer for everything.
20 Do not curse the king even in your thoughts,
or curse the rich even in your bedroom,
for a bird of the air may carry your words,
and a winged creature may report your speech.

REFLECTIONS

Written by James Davidson

The Teacher says in v19: “A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything.”

“Money is the answer for everything”? Is the Teacher promoting materialism and the love of money? I don’t think so. A consistent theme in Ecclesiastes is that God gives us every good thing in this world to enjoy. That includes a feast where people relax, eat, drink and laugh together – while avoiding gluttony and drunkenness, of course. The downside of a feast is that it costs money. But if it brings joy, it’s money well spent.

But money can also be used for all sorts of other good purposes. It is one of the most versatile of God’s gifts. It can bring joy and happiness in many ways. We can use money to rent or buy somewhere to live, or to purchase a gift for someone, or to visit a friend, or to see the world, or to help the poor, or to spread the gospel. These are all good uses of money.

You cannot serve God and Money, but you can use your money to serve God. We must avoid the love of money, but we can love others with our money. So, let’s thank God for the money he has given us, enjoy the good things it enables us to buy, and use it for the growth of God’s kingdom.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James is one of our Assistant Ministers.

Gus Cameron

26 March 2026

Ecclesiastes 10:8-15

Gus Cameron

26 March 2026

8 He who digs a pit may fall into it,
and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake.
9 The one who quarries stones may be injured by them,
and he who splits logs endangers himself.
10 If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened,
more strength must be exerted,
but skill produces success.
11 If the snake bites before it is charmed,
there is no profit for the charmer.
12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious,
but the lips of a fool consume him.
13 The beginning of his talk is folly,
and the end of his speech is evil madness.
14 Yet the fool multiplies words.
No one knows what is coming,
and who can tell him what will come after him?
15 The toil of a fool wearies him,
for he does not know the way to the city.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Susan Duc

In life, we expect people to get their “just desserts.” As in today’s passage, we expect (or hope) that the person who digs the pit for a passerby would fall into it themselves; or that the thief breaking through the wall of a house would be bitten by a snake (v 8-9). Another way to describe it is: justice.

And yet, there are far too many cases where an honest worker looking to make a living suffers an accident and breaks his back or loses his arm. It’s tough to swallow, but in life, bad things do happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people.

Today’s passage acknowledges that life in this world doesn’t always make sense; it isn’t always just. Life is unpredictable, messy and downright puzzling at times. We can take the greatest care and diligently apply our skills, but as with the snake charmer, the snake could bite us just the same (v 11). We can’t completely remove danger nor guarantee success in life.

So how does acknowledging these realities help us to live wisely in the world?

It’s good for us to remember our creaturely limits: while we can plan and work and organise ourselves, we don’t know where our lives will lead, or even what will happen tomorrow. We are but a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes (James 4:14).

In seeing ourselves for what we truly are – fragile and wholly dependent on our heavenly Father – we can seek to live under His hand, as we wait for Him to work out His plans for our good in Christ. When we suffer injustice or are buffeted by waves of suffering, we can endure patiently, like Job did, because we have received God’s compassion and mercy in Christ – and when Jesus returns, we will experience that compassion and mercy fully and forever (James 5:10-11).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan is one of our Assistant Ministers.

Gus Cameron

25 March 2026

Ecclesiastes 10:1-7

Gus Cameron

25 March 2026

1 As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil,
so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
2 A wise man’s heart inclines to the right,
but the heart of a fool to the left.
3 Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking,
and he shows everyone that he is a fool.
4 If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post,
for calmness lays great offenses to rest.
5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun—
an error that proceeds from the ruler:
6 Folly is appointed to great heights,
but the rich sit in lowly positions.
7 I have seen slaves on horseback,
while princes go on foot like slaves.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Elise Le

As I hear the news of what is happening in the world around us, I keep asking myself the question: How can someone who is foolish rise to such great power? I’m sure we can all think of some examples of that when we watch the news. Or maybe you’ve seen this in your personal life – maybe a manager who has treated you unfairly or senior colleagues who get away with doing the bare minimum. Sometimes I get surprised that it’s like that, but what this passage shows us is that we shouldn’t be surprised by fools being promoted and evil being celebrated (vs 6). That’s how things are in a world that is twisted and corrupted by sin.

Even though we live in an upside-down and corrupt world, the teacher says that the way and attitude of fools is senseless and irresponsible (vs 3). When I first read this passage, my mind jumped to think about the people around me who live in folly and make irrational decisions. But the more I read it, the more I was reminded that I once lived in foolishness too. My heart is not naturally inclined to the right like a wise person but inclined to the left like a fool (vs 2), because I am a sinner – by nature a child of wrath (Ephesians 2:3). It is so easy to point at the sins of those around us, but Jesus said it is more important for us to pay attention to the logs in our own eyes (Matthew 7:3). There are times when we all still fail to live in step with wisdom, in a way that honours and obeys God. As we see how foolish it is to live apart from God, may we be reminded to continuously repent of our sins and strive to be

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elise is one of our ministry apprentices.

Gus Cameron

24 March 2026

Ecclesiastes 9:11-18

Gus Cameron

24 March 2026

11 I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; neither is the bread to the wise, nor the wealth to the intelligent, nor the favor to the skillful. For time and chance happen to all. 12 For surely no man knows his time: Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds trapped in a snare, so men are ensnared in an evil time that suddenly falls upon them.
13 I have also seen this wisdom under the sun, and it was great to me: 14 There was a small city with few men. A mighty king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege ramps against it.
15 Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. 16 And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.”
17 The calm words of the wise are heeded
over the shouts of a ruler among fools.
18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war,
but one sinner destroys much good.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Alex Chen

There’s a great reminder in this passage that time and chance happen to all. As the cost of living rises, do you feel that our human labour feels more and more futile? We can’t always get what we expect for working hard, or even receive our just reward. In a world where we seem to face more uncertainty with each new world event, it is more apparent than ever that what we work hard for, what we look forward to, isn’t guaranteed. So thinking about what is humanly smart, or strong, or skilful – how much value are we putting on these things? What does the way we use our time, our ambitions, or our resources say about how much we’re valuing them?

In uncertain times, what often comes out of us is greed, selfishness, and even paranoia. Instead of allowing these things to take over, let us in these times be grown in dependence on God, in generosity, and in sacrificial love.

Our passage also shows us that in a time of war, wisdom is more important and useful than mere strength. The calm words of the wise are heeded over the shouts of a ruler among fools. Wisdom is good, and should be pursued – but even then, one sinner can destroy this good. What matters is having a right relationship with God and pursuing him rather than evil.

This passage is a helpful reminder of our human limitations in this world – that we do not control time and chance. No one knows their time. But we have a God who does know our world, who created our world – and he knows us too. Will you rightly acknowledge him? Come to him now in prayer, bring your uncertainties to him and the ugly things that uncertainty tends to produce in you, and ask him to grow you in dependence, generosity, and sacrificial love.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alex is one of our Student Ministers.

Gus Cameron

23 March 2026

Ecclesiastes 9:1-10

Gus Cameron

23 March 2026

1 So I took all this to heart and concluded that the righteous and the wise, as well as their deeds, are in God’s hands. Man does not know what lies ahead, whether love or hate.
2 It is the same for all: There is a common fate for the righteous and the wicked, for the good and the bad, for the clean and the unclean, for the one who sacrifices and the one who does not. As it is for the good, so it is for the sinner; as it is for the one who makes a vow, so it is for the one who refuses to take a vow.
3 This is an evil in everything that is done under the sun: There is one fate for everyone. Furthermore, the hearts of men are full of evil and madness while they are alive, and afterward they join the dead.
4 There is hope, however, for anyone who is among the living; for even a live dog is better than a dead lion. 5 For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing. They have no further reward, because the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Their love, their hate, and their envy have already vanished, and they will never again have a share in all that is done under the sun.
7 Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works:
8 Let your garments always be white,
and never spare the oil for your head.
9 Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of the fleeting life that God has given you under the sun—all your fleeting days. For this is your portion in life and in your labor under the sun. 10 Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Gus Cameron

Last week someone asked me for some advice about how to speak to their atheist friend. I’ve been reflecting on how sad the atheist world view is. There is no justice in atheism, the good and the bad face the same fate. There is no hope in atheism, life ends in death and that’s it. The best an atheist can offer is to enjoy life as best you can, and then die.

Although Ecclesiastes speaks of God, it’s description of meaningless life speaks to our world today.

Today’s passage describes a world like that, a world without the God we know, without his justice and love, without Jesus and the hope his death and resurrection give us.

Imagine living a life where you believe that “Man does not know what lies ahead, whether love or hate.”. Give thanks that we know that “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Imagine living a life where you believe that there is no justice where “All share a common destiny—the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad”. Give thanks that we know Christ Jesus, ”who will judge the living and the dead” (2 Timothy 4:1).

In a round about way, Ecclesiastes is showing us that we have the message of life and hope that our world so desperately needs. Perhaps we could be a little more direct with our friends who live as if God does exist and challenge them to see the hopelessness of their world view. And show them the wonder and joy there is knowing that there is life and hope in Christ Jesus.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gus is one of our Assistant Ministers

Gus Cameron

21 March 2026

Ecclesiastes 8:10-17

Gus Cameron

21 March 2026

10 Then too, I saw the burial of the wicked who used to go in and out of the holy place, and they were praised in the city where they had done so. This too is futile. 11 When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil.
12 Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and still lives long, yet I also know that it will go well with those who fear God, who are reverent in His presence. 13 Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.
14 There is a futility that is done on the earth: There are righteous men who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked men who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile.
15 So I commended the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be merry. For this joy will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun.
16 When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe the task that one performs on the earth—though his eyes do not see sleep in the day or even in the night— 17 I saw every work of God, and that a man is unable to comprehend the work that is done under the sun. Despite his efforts to search it out, he cannot find its meaning; even if the wise man claims to know, he is unable to comprehend.

REFLECTIONS

Written by James Beck

I was watching a movie the other day with my fiancée that had a clear good guy and a clear bad guy. Normally, in movies like this, the good guy wins and saves the day while the bad guy gets what they deserve. There is always justice or a happy ending—and in the real world, that’s mostly what we want to happen in bad situations. But too often, it does not. The Teacher here in Ecclesiastes seems to have conducted an experiment on his surroundings and has discovered that, under the sun, it’s the other way around. The wicked get blessed while the righteous or blameless get nothing (verse 14). I think we still see this in our lives or around the world, and we wonder: Isn’t God just? Why hasn't he fixed this?

Sometimes, when we have those questions, God might not give us the answers straight away, or we might not fully understand what God has planned, because we are not God. But the Teacher offers some light through his investigation. He notes that the wicked and their pursuit of gain are meaningless. At the end of the day, they will face death like everyone else. But most importantly, they will have a far worse conclusion than people who put their trust in God. If they do not turn to the Lord Jesus and follow Him, they will suffer His condemnation on the Day of Judgment. While it may seem like the Lord is not at work, He still is.

There is injustice in the world, but we should be reminded that God will make things right and that His justice will prevail, when the Lord Jesus returns.

We have a God who is righteous and forgives us through His Son if we come to Him, but He is also a just God who will not let sin go unpunished. Pray and ask God to always keep you living in the wisdom of that bigger perspective.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James is one of our Student Ministers.

Gus Cameron

20 March 2026

Ecclesiastes 8:1-9

Gus Cameron

20 March 2026

1 Who is like the wise man? Who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed.
2 Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God. 3 Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases. 4 For the king’s word is supreme, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?”
5 Whoever keeps his command will come to no harm, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure. 6 For there is a right time and procedure to every purpose, though a man’s misery weighs heavily upon him. 7 Since no one knows what will happen, who can tell him what is to come?
8 As no man has power over the wind to contain it, so no one has authority over his day of death. As no one can be discharged in wartime, so wickedness will not release those who practice it. 9 All this I have seen, applying my mind to every deed that is done under the sun; there is a time when one man lords it over another to his own detriment.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Andy Rowlands

I so often hear and ask for prayers to ask for wisdom. Like the Teacher, we have this instinctive desire for the wisdom we need to act rightly and confidently in uncertain situations. The teacher has been pointing us toward this throughout Ecclesiastes. And here, he teaches us to act wisely in our relationship to authority—which, in his day, meant the king.

In Australia, we do not have a king or queen in the same way—King Charles’ power is delegated to our government to rule us. The Teacher wants to show us that it is wise to listen to those in power over us. That obeying the laws of our country is a good and wise thing to do, and takes away the burden of much uncertainty, if we are content to listen to those God has put in power over us. But even as we obey them, we need to remember the limitations of human authorities. They, like us, do not know what is going to come.

But every man sits under the power of a higher king, our Lord and Saviour Jesus. Even more than any government, he is the only one who truly has the authority to do whatever he pleases! In his hands are the life and death of every man, and he knows what is to come. And his are trustworthy hands to hold our lives. In this world where various men lord their powers over others, to the detriment of themselves and of others, he is the one whom we can trust to use his power for not only for his good but also for ours.

Jesus, the truly wise one, is the one whose commands are wise to follow not only because he is our ultimate king, but because he is the one who sets us free from wickedness and brings us into everlasting life with him.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andy is one of our Student Ministers.

Gus Cameron

19 March 2026

Ecclesiastes 7:15-29

Gus Cameron

19 March 2026

15 In my futile life I have seen both of these:
A righteous man perishing in his righteousness,
and a wicked man living long in his wickedness.
16 Do not be overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself? 17 Do not be excessively wicked, and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time? 18 It is good to grasp the one and not let the other slip from your hand. For he who fears God will follow both warnings.
19 Wisdom makes the wise man
stronger than ten rulers in a city.
20 Surely there is no righteous man on earth
who does good and never sins.
21 Do not pay attention to every word that is spoken, or you may hear your servant cursing you. 22 For you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.
23 All this I tested by wisdom, saying, “I resolve to be wise.” But it was beyond me. 24 What exists is out of reach and very deep. Who can fathom it?
25 I directed my mind to understand, to explore, to search out wisdom and explanations, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the folly of madness. 26 And I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a net, and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God escapes her, but the sinner is ensnared.
27 “Behold,” says the Teacher, “I have discovered this by adding one thing to another to find an explanation. 28 While my soul was still searching but not finding, among a thousand I have found one upright man, but among all these I have not found one such woman. 29 Only this have I found: I have discovered that God made men upright, but they have sought out many schemes.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Matt Radloff

What does it look like to fear God? For the Teacher, in verse 18, the one who fears God will follow both warnings in verses 16-17. On the one hand, he warns that being overly righteous and making yourself too wise will result in you destroying yourself. On the other hand, he warns that foolishness results in an untimely end. As I read this passage, I find it easy to agree with the second warning, but I find it harder to understand the first. Of course we shouldn’t be foolish, of course we shouldn’t be excessively wicked! But why warn against being overly righteous? Surely that’s a good thing, right?

Righteousness is of course a very good thing. God tells us so throughout the Bible. But we’re warned here that if we chase righteousness out of an expectation in ourselves to be perfect, we are only bound for disappointment and crushing guilt. As the Teacher says in verse 20, “Surely there is no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins”.

In a way, the Teacher is half-right. We ourselves can’t expect to be so perfect that we never sin. And if we get that wrong then we will only end up in despair. But there is one man who is an exception to the rule. One man, the righteous one, who never sinned. It’s by looking to Jesus that we see the one man who was perfectly righteous, and perfectly wise. And he was destroyed. Not crushed under his own guilt, but under ours.

For us, to fear God is to follow the warning of this passage. To realise that we ourselves can’t be righteous enough on our own. We instead turn to God and his solution. We turn to Jesus, the righteous one.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Matt is one of our Student Ministers.

Gus Cameron

18 March 2026

Ecclesiastes 7:8-14

Gus Cameron

18 March 2026

8 The end of a matter is better than the beginning,
and a patient spirit is better than a proud one.
9 Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit,
for anger settles in the lap of a fool.
10 Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?”
For it is unwise of you to ask about this.
11 Wisdom, like an inheritance, is good,
and it benefits those who see the sun.
12 For wisdom, like money, is a shelter,
and the advantage of knowledge
is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner.
13 Consider the work of God:
Who can straighten what He has bent?
14 In the day of prosperity, be joyful,
but in the day of adversity, consider this:
God has made one of these along with the other,
so that a man cannot discover
anything that will come after him.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Gus Cameron

A lot of the stress in my life comes when I feel like I can’t control the future. One of the big differences between us and God is that he controls the future and we don’t. Verses 8 and 9 describe two ways we ought to respond to our lack of control: with patience and without anger. Patience seems more obvious – when things aren’t going the way I want them to, I need to patiently trust that God will look after me and my family. But we’re also warned not to be angry too quickly, which makes sense when we realise that our angry outbursts are often a response to us feeling out of control. When I’ve raised my voice with my kids, it’s usually because I’m frustrated that I can’t make them do what I want them to do.

What’s the answer? Wisdom! The wisdom to realise that God is in control and we are not, and that’s ok! Verse 13 asks: “Consider the work of God: Who can straighten what He has bent?” If God chooses to do something, we cannot change what he has done – and that’s ok because we know that God’s plans for us are good.

This section finishes by reminding us that we don’t know the future like God does. But God has given us a sneak peek into the future. He has shown us that in Christ Jesus we have a wonderful future with him. True wisdom is knowing that we are safe and secure in Jesus. It is resisting the pride of believing we can change our destiny, and waiting patiently for his return.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gus is our Senior Assisant Minister.

Gus Cameron

17 March 2026

Ecclesiastes 7:1-7

Gus Cameron

17 March 2026

1 A good name is better than fine perfume,
and one’s day of death is better than his day of birth.
2 It is better to enter a house of mourning
than a house of feasting,
since death is the end of every man,
and the living should take this to heart.
3 Sorrow is better than laughter,
for a sad countenance is good for the heart.
4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
5 It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke
than to listen to the song of fools.
6 For like the crackling of thorns under the pot,
so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile.
7 Surely extortion turns a wise man into a fool,
and a bribe corrupts the heart.

REFLECTIONS

Written by James Davidson

Verse 2 says, ‘It is better to enter a house of mourning than a house of feasting, since death is the end of every man, and the living should take this to heart.’ This sounds counter-intuitive to me! I would certainly rather go to a wedding reception than a funeral. So what point is being made here? While a wedding reception is enjoyable – and there’s nothing wrong with that – going to a funeral will teach me an important lesson that I won’t learn at a wedding reception. Going to a funeral will remind me that, like everybody else, I will die – unless Jesus returns first, but let’s leave that joyous prospect aside for the moment. Being reminded that I will die is good for me, because it reminds me that I need to be ready for that day. I need to be trusting Christ each day for my salvation so that I’m ready to meet him when I die.

It also spurs me on to make the most of each day. My days on this earth are limited, and I don’t know how many I’ve got left. So I need to make the most of each day to do the things that God has called me to do. My days are like water – a precious but limited resource. I don’t want to waste them away.

To live in denial of death is a great foolishness. Because it means you will not be prepared for death and you will be inclined to waste your precious days on earth.

Many old churches were surrounded by graveyards. Imagine if every week when you went to church, you walked through a graveyard. The message you received as you entered and as you left would be just as powerful as the one you heard in the church. I love the way Psalm 90:12 puts that message: ‘So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom.’

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James is one of our Assisant Ministers.

Gus Cameron

16 March 2026

Ecclesiastes 6:1-12

Gus Cameron

16 March 2026

1 There is another evil I have seen under the sun, and it weighs heavily upon mankind: 2 God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires; but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. This is futile and a grievous affliction.
3 A man may father a hundred children and live for many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he is unsatisfied with his prosperity and does not even receive a proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he. 4 For a stillborn child enters in futility and departs in darkness, and his name is shrouded in obscurity. 5 The child, though neither seeing the sun nor knowing anything, has more rest than that man, 6 even if he lives a thousand years twice over but fails to enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place?
7 All a man’s labor is for his mouth,
yet his appetite is never satisfied.
8 What advantage, then, has the wise man over the fool? What gain comes to the poor man who knows how to conduct himself before others? 9 Better what the eye can see than the wandering of desire. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
10 Whatever exists was named long ago, and what happens to a man is foreknown; but he cannot contend with one stronger than he. 11 For the more words, the more futility—and how does that profit anyone? 12 For who knows what is good for a man during the few days in which he passes through his fleeting life like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will come after him under the sun?

REFLECTIONS

Written by James Davidson

Verse 9 is thought-provoking: ‘Better what the eye can see than the wandering of desire.’ I take it that means that it’s better to be thankful for and enjoy what you do have rather than to be continually wanting what you don’t have.

I can see the application to friendships. Far better to be thankful for and enjoy the friendships I do have rather than always wishing for friendships I don’t have.

For the married, I can see the application to marriage. Far better for to be thankful for and enjoy the spouse you do have rather than be wishing for other romantic relationships.

I can see the application to possessions. Far better to be thankful for and enjoy what I have than to be continually striving for and wanting what I don’t have – that is a recipe for frustration.

And I can see the application to my spiritual life. Far better to be thankful for and enjoy all the blessings I have in Christ than to desire the fleeting pleasures of sin.

No wonder the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 6:6, ‘But godliness with contentment is great gain.’ O Lord, give us the priceless gift of contentment. Help us to appreciate and be thankful for and enjoy all you have generously given us. Take from us the greed in our hearts that is never satisfied with what it has, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James is one of our Assisant Ministers.

Gus Cameron

14 March 2026

Ecclesiastes 5:8-20

Gus Cameron

14 March 2026

8 If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be astonished at the matter; for one official is watched by a superior, and others higher still are over them. 9 The produce of the earth is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields.
10 He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile. 11 When good things increase, so do those who consume them; what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes?
12 The sleep of the worker is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of the rich man permits him no sleep.
13 There is a grievous evil I have seen under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, 14 or wealth lost in a failed venture, so when that man has a son there is nothing to pass on.
15 As a man came from his mother’s womb, so he will depart again, naked as he arrived. He takes nothing for his labor to carry in his hands. 16 This too is a grievous evil: Exactly as a man is born, so he will depart. What does he gain as he toils for the wind? 17 Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness, with much sorrow, sickness, and anger.
18 Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of life that God has given him—for this is his lot.
19 Furthermore, God has given riches and wealth to every man, and He has enabled him to enjoy them, to accept his lot, and to rejoice in his labor. This is a gift from God. 20 For a man seldom considers the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart.

REFLECTIONS

Written by James Davidson

Despite the harsh realities of life in this world which is under God’s curse, there is a route to satisfaction and joy. Verses 8-17 mention some of those harsh realities:

The powerful take from the poor.
If we love money, it never satisfies.
More wealth brings more worries and less sleep.
If we hoard wealth, it harms us.
Wealth is easily lost.
No matter how hard we work, we leave this world with absolutely nothing.

We need to accept these harsh realities if we are going to find the route to satisfaction and joy in verses 18-20. But how do we find that route? The Teacher says in verse 19, ‘Furthermore, God has given riches and wealth to every man.’ This is more than material riches and wealth, for not everyone has those. This is the wealth of knowing God and his love and his Word. This is the wealth of his creation. We can all enjoy a cool breeze, a sunset and a tasty meal.

The Teacher goes on to say that God has enabled us to enjoy these riches and wealth he has given us. God wants us to enjoy his creation. But he also says we need to accept our lot. We need to accept that we serve God in a world under his curse so life will be difficult. But we can still rejoice in our labour. We can rejoice that in our labour we are looking after God’s creation and serving those God has given us to love.

And as New Covenant believers we can rejoice that none of our work done in serving the gospel will be in vain, as we have seen in our key verse from the Apostle Paul: ‘Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain’ (1 Corinthians 15:58). So let’s thank God for today. Thank him for our work, no matter how frustrating it is, and thank him that our efforts in the gospel are never in vain.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James is one of our Assisant Ministers.

Gus Cameron

13 March 2026

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

Gus Cameron

13 March 2026

1 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. 2 Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. After all, God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.3 As a dream comes through many cares,
so the speech of a fool comes with many words.
4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. 5 It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.
6 Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, and do not tell the messenger that your vow was a mistake. Why should God be angry with your words and destroy the work of your hands? 7 For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God.

REFLECTIONS

Written by James Davidson

Did you notice the change of tone at the beginning of chapter 5? In chapters 1 to 4, the Teacher has been observing how difficult life is in this world which is under God’s curse because of our rebellion. Work is frustrating. Nothing lasts. Death reigns. So much seems meaningless. But in chapter 5 he moves to wise instruction. In this fallen world where nothing lasts what’s important is how we relate to the everlasting God.

And how should we relate to the everlasting God? By listening to him and then listening some more. ‘Draw near to listen’ says the Teacher. God speaks to us by his Holy Spirit as we read his word or listen to it being read or preached. But are we listening? Are we paying attention? If not, our prayers could actually be offensive to God. The teacher says, ‘Draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.’ What is the sacrifice of fools? One example is long prayers that are not based on God’s Word but based only on our selfish desires.

The Teacher says, ‘Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God.’ He is not discouraging us from praying, he’s saying to listen carefully to God’s word before you pray. Pray in the light of God’s word. Then your prayers will be pleasing to God.

The reason we should do this is, according to the Teacher, is that God is in heaven and we are on earth, that is, God is King and we are his subjects. Would you barge into the boss’s office and let fly with all your complaints before you’ve tried to understand the boss’s perspective? How much more should we listen to God before we speak to him.

So, having just listened to God, keep his word in mind as you speak to him now.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James is one of our Assisant Ministers.