Ecclesiastes 1-3
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The book of Ecclesiastes was written by Solomon, who if you
remember, was the son of David and the King of Israel who built the Temple of
the Lord. He was the king who had
the most wisdom as well as the most wealth. He got so consumed in his wealth and ridiculous number of
wives and their false religions that he turned away from God. This book records his journey to find
the meaning for life. His
conclusion is that everything is meaningless under the sun.
When reading Ecclesiastes it can seem very pessimistic and cynical
and even depressing … at first.
Until you remember that Solomon is only considering things “under the
sun.” When you consider the things
not of this earth is where you find the hope hidden in this book.
I can’t help but to reflect on Ecclesiastes 3:1 as it has always
been one of my dad’s favorite verses in the Bible, and I think this speaks of
his great faith.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity
under heaven.”
Solomon wrote this as a complaint – everything is already
determined and set into motion and there’s nothing you can do to change it, so
what’s the point? But a man of
faith can read this verse and cling to the hope within it, knowing that the God
of the universe who loves us is in control of everything and has a purpose for
everything.
Jesus said, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world,
yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36). He also said, “I have come that they
may have life, and have it to the full” (John
10:10).
In a way Solomon’s conclusion is true: everything under the sun is
meaningless. But when you add
belief and faith in God to the picture, the opposite of Solomon’s conclusion is
also true: nothing is meaningless.
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