“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” – Ecclesiastes 3:11
Today, let’s explore Ecclesiastes—a book of wisdom in the Old Testament, nestled among the Pentateuch, historical books, and Wisdom Books like Proverbs. This wisdom isn’t just for scholars but has advice specifically for the young. Ecclesiastes speaks directly—no cryptic words. It begins with the stark claim, “Life is meaningless” or “vanity.” And in its final chapter, chapter 12, it commends wisdom to us, urging us to remember our Creator before we age and eventually face the emptiness of life.
But what does ‘vanity’ mean here? It isn’t just “meaningless”; it’s a contrast between existence and nothingness. Everything, in the end, returns to nothingness, rendering it all meaningless. It might sound pessimistic, yet it holds a profound teaching. The Bible tells us: “It is appointed for man to die once.” After that, judgment follows. This is an unalterable part of our creation.
We aren’t mere flesh; we also possess a spirit. Our spirit longs for truth, seeking connection with the divine. Unlike animals, we ponder the meaning of our existence. Our souls yearn for the Lord, much like a deer thirsts for flowing streams. This innate longing sets us apart. Understanding the ‘meaning of life’ and the ‘end of life’ profoundly impacts our journey, akin to traversing the heavens and the earth.
Scientists often believe in God. They sense the finite nature of humanity. As they observe the universe and our planet, they experience awe and reverence. It echoes the religious scholars’ notion that faith often begins with ‘fear and trembling of the heart.’ This sense of wonder is their first encounter. Romans 1:20 echoes this sentiment, stating that the creation itself reveals God’s divine nature, leaving humanity without excuse.
God’s creation operates with precision and harmony. It’s an order that doesn’t waver unless man intervenes, inviting consequences. Trees don’t spontaneously emit carbon dioxide; nature conforms to man unless greed disrupts it. We reside in a world of balance—a truth scientists perceive first.
However, some deny God’s existence. Without God, they must define their norms, a challenging and painful task. But there’s a reason for our creation and God’s selection of us. We were chosen to be fishers of men. Living enslaved to wealth contradicts this purpose. Can the blind lead the blind? Our message as Christians is to triumph over possessions.
We can achieve this by recognizing what we truly possess—introducing others to the Lord, who brings satisfaction. We possess the hidden treasure—the Lord Himself. Additionally, acknowledging eternity helps us transcend possessions. Life is fleeting, but that moment leads to eternity. Understanding this leads us toward eternal life and heaven, enabling us to triumph over possessions.
Proverbs emphasizes that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” It’s a guide to wisdom. No matter how much knowledge we amass, what do we truly know? Knowing our Creator, the source of wisdom, marks the beginning of wisdom itself.
Ecclesiastes starts with the declaration that life is “meaningless” or “vanity.” It offers a deep teaching—acknowledging the inevitability of death. We cannot carry anything when we depart. Then, what’s there to boast about? Nothing. This understanding shapes our perception that ‘man lives within a limit’—a ‘D-day.’ Wisdom lies in recognizing this truth.
The Bible discusses ‘time and date.’ There’s a qualitative and quantitative aspect to time. We’re urged to recognize the purpose of our time and live our lives according to it. God has made everything beautiful in its time. This is the life of those who believe in God—a beautiful life, rooted in Jesus, seeking in His name. Eternity is planted in our hearts, guiding us to live a beautiful life according to His purpose. Understanding this, let’s move forward, embracing the limited time we have and fulfilling our life’s purpose.