A Lament of Letting Go (Ecclesiastes 2:18-23)

Bible Passages on Succession: Post 7 of 9

Ecclesiastes 2:18-23

I hated all my toil in which I toil under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to the man who will come after me, and who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will be master of all for which I toiled and used my wisdom under the sun. This also is vanity. So I turned about and gave my heart up to despair over all the toil of my labors under the sun, because sometimes a person who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave everything to be enjoyed by someone who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. What has a man from all the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun? For all his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation. Even in the night his heart does not rest. This also is vanity. (emphasis added)

Summary: Solomon's concerns about handing over his leadership, as expressed in these verses, have echoed through the hearts of leaders throughout history. Understandably, people who give their lives to something often lament that someone else will eventually step into their shoes.

Key Insight: Lament is a natural and expected part of the succession process. However, it's not the destination—lament is something to navigate, not a posture to embrace forever.

Questions for Personal Reflection:

• Which of my accomplishments am I most concerned about being diminished or overlooked by my successor?
• Should I see a counselor to help process the frustration I feel about transitioning?

Questions for Boards/Ministry Teams to Discuss:

• What can we do to give space and grace for our leader to lament?
• How do we, as a church, balance honoring past accomplishments with creating space for new leadership and ideas?
• What concerns do we have about the transition, and how can we address those together?