A Lesson from the Book of Ecclesiastes
While the Bible is full of stories about God, the book of Ecclesiastes is very different. Instead of stories of God, Solomon wrote to reflect on mankind’s search for meaning and purpose without God. So, how did it work out?
“I asked myself, ‘Come now, I will test you with pleasure. So, enjoy yourself,’ and behold, it too was futility.” (Ecc. 2:1 NASB) Solomon tried everything: “I built houses. I planted vineyards for myself. I made gardens and parks for myself…I bought male and female slaves…also, I possessed flocks and herds…I collected for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I provided for myself male and female singers and the pleasures of men and many concubines. Then I became great and increased more than all who had preceded me in Jerusalem…I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure.” (vv. 4-10 NASB)
Solomon gained the whole earth then reflected on it, “Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold, all was vanity and striving after the wind and there was no profit under the sun.” (v. 11 NASB) “Everything’s boring, utterly boring…no one can find any meaning in it.” (Ecc. 1:8 MSG)
We’re all naturally curious and hungry for meaning but our appetites can never be fully satisfied with what we can buy or build here. We must look up for that. There is an ache within us all, and knowledge and power cannot soothe it any more than money or sex can. A life alone, separated from God, leaves us empty. It’s a God-shaped hole that only friendship with our Maker can satisfy. We are made like that for a purpose. The purpose is to bring us all home to Glory!
Blessing to all,
Pastor John