June 24. Ecclesiastes 1.
As I read a bit about Ecclesiastes, I discovered that most scholars think it was written by Solomon in his old age. It certainly is a reflection of a jaded, cynical mind, which would “fit” with a king who had it all and then walked away from the Source of all he had. Deep Sigh. So, in some ways, Ecclesiastes is depressing and may have been written by a depressed king. But even in this book that discovers that the answers are not to be found “under the sun,” we see the true answer that the meaning of life is beyond our solar system and the things we have and do. Solomon ends his reflections with these two verses that remind us that we don’t live for this world alone, but for the One who made it and who will someday set all things to right again:
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. –Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NKJV
Interwoven throughout the book, are profound thoughts and truths about life and about what really matters. I found myself underlining a lot of the verses as I read. Read this and learn, dear friend. Read this and determine to gain from Solomon’s error of turning from the one true God, by pledging anew to stay true to your Savior and King. And, tell me what you think. Did Solomon turn back, do you think, to worshiping just God at the very end of his life? Do you think he stopped listening to his wives who followed other “gods?” I kinda think he must have based on my reading. I surely hope so!
My verse: Ecclesiastes 1:18 “For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge the more grief.”
My response: Father, why would Solomon say this? Secular smarts, I guess? Perhaps, in his darkened later years, with his heart turned from solely following You, everything DID seem meaningless? And the weight of knowing all about the sinful nature of man would be heavy. And, in Solomon’s day, there was no Savior, no Redeemer … just a promise of a Messiah to come … I wonder, Lord, if in Heaven, much will be explained that is now mystery. Will Solomon be there, able to sit down and share with us what he was thinking? How glad I am, that I know Jesus. I know there IS a Redeemer and that all wisdom resides in Him. I believe that kind of wisdom brings joy, not grief, and the sure hope of Heaven.
