Ecclesiastes
Birthdays are like an antique. After we get to a certain age it really does not make any difference. It is a bit like driving an old car. You know it is old because you have had it a long time and it rattles going down the road. The car is just worn out and falling apart, but all you need to do is replace a part here or there to it keep running. However, the difference between an old car and an antique car is when you try to slam the car door shut, the hubcap falls off. The car is so old and worn out that you can’t find parts to keep it running. That is when you look back through some old photos and reminisce about a time when it was new and created a family memory as you went on vacation. At some point we realize that fixing the old car is a meaningless process. Have you ever felt that way about life? It seems like you pursue the things you want, only to find them lacking in reward, value and longevity. Then you look around and see others chasing after the same things that are empty and unfulfilling. In the book of Ecclesiastes the author, Solomon, addresses the value and meaning of life. As the wisest man that ever lived Solomon reflects on his life and the life of others, only to find that that it is empty and meaningless on its own. From chapters 1-2, he notes his own experience of seeking wisdom, pleasure, accomplishment and hard work and finds it meaningless. Then in chapter 3-6 Solomon takes a look at his world and sees life’s unfairness and general emptiness. However, in spite all the gloom and futility, Solomon points out that true joy in life is found understanding that God views life differently than people do. As a result, we can enjoy life as a gift from God who provides purpose and meaning. Solomon concludes this book of wisdom in chapter 12 by challenging its readers to fear God and keep His commands. The other day I read through the book of Ecclesiastes and was reminded to trust God, even though life may seem futile and worthless in a messed up world. Not that not much has changed between Solomon’s day and ours. Our world may seem like a worthless mess, but God is reliable and He provides the purpose for living.
Birthdays are like an antique. After we get to a certain age it really does not make any difference. It is a bit like driving an old car. You know it is old because you have had it a long time and it rattles going down the road. The car is just worn out and falling apart, but all you need to do is replace a part here or there to it keep running. However, the difference between an old car and an antique car is when you try to slam the car door shut, the hubcap falls off. The car is so old and worn out that you can’t find parts to keep it running. That is when you look back through some old photos and reminisce about a time when it was new and created a family memory as you went on vacation. At some point we realize that fixing the old car is a meaningless process. Have you ever felt that way about life? It seems like you pursue the things you want, only to find them lacking in reward, value and longevity. Then you look around and see others chasing after the same things that are empty and unfulfilling. In the book of Ecclesiastes the author, Solomon, addresses the value and meaning of life. As the wisest man that ever lived Solomon reflects on his life and the life of others, only to find that that it is empty and meaningless on its own. From chapters 1-2, he notes his own experience of seeking wisdom, pleasure, accomplishment and hard work and finds it meaningless. Then in chapter 3-6 Solomon takes a look at his world and sees life’s unfairness and general emptiness. However, in spite all the gloom and futility, Solomon points out that true joy in life is found understanding that God views life differently than people do. As a result, we can enjoy life as a gift from God who provides purpose and meaning. Solomon concludes this book of wisdom in chapter 12 by challenging its readers to fear God and keep His commands. The other day I read through the book of Ecclesiastes and was reminded to trust God, even though life may seem futile and worthless in a messed up world. Not that not much has changed between Solomon’s day and ours. Our world may seem like a worthless mess, but God is reliable and He provides the purpose for living.
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