Trying to Figure it All Out
The weather forecasters were right! We had a heavy spring snow. So today has been a “snow day” with the grandchildren. Debbie was working from home and only had to go out for emergency situations. I was able to get some work done in my office. The good news of the day was receiving my formatted draft of my book, that means I will be ready for the final phase leading up to printing.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I applied my mind to seek and explore through wisdom all that is done under heaven. God has given people this miserable task to keep them occupied.”Ā Ecclesiastes 1:13 HCSB
Why am I here? What is my purpose? These questions frame the dilemma that Solomon is pondering as he writes this most interesting book in the Bible. As he looks around he views more frustration and points to discourage than to provide answers and give perspective.
It is not a matter of intellect or wisdom. Solomon the wisest of the wise says, “For with much wisdom is much sorrow; as knowledge increases, grief increases.“ (Eccl. 1:18 HCSB) Solomon observed that much of life is the same whether wise or foolish, rich or poor. So he concludes, āAbsolute futility,ā says the Teacher. āAbsolute futility. Everything is futile.ā (Eccl. 1:1 HCSB)
Solomon observes that time and generations come and go. All will die and all will be forgotten. Solomon found thousands of years ago what people experience today. Seeking wealth for satisfaction will leave you unsatisfied. Seeking fulfillment through achievement and pleasure seeking, leaves you empty and frustrated. Even seeking the grandeur of wisdom and knowledge does not fill the human soul.
Pleasure, passion, possessions and profession will all lead to the same conclusion,Ā “I have seen that there is nothing better than for a person to enjoy his activities because that is his reward.” (Eccl. 3:22 HCSB)Ā “Here is what I have seen to be good: it is appropriate to eat, drink, and experience good in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of his life God has given him, because that is his reward.” (Eccl. 5:18 HCSB)
However, after all of his observations and reflections, Solomon comes to the final conclusion….
“So remember your Creator in the days of your youth….When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is: fear God and keep His commands, because this is for all humanity. For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.” (Eccl 12:1,13,14 HCSB)
Ā The Westminster Shorter Catechism written in 1646 and 1647Ā answers the age old question of Solomon’s with these words,Ā “Manās chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” God at the center of life is what gives life purpose. It is not found in money, pursuits, education, pleasure or education. That which is part of life and not badĀ itself, does not bring satisfaction and purpose to life.
As Jesus prayed in His “High Priestly prayer” “This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and the One You have sentāJesus Christ.” (John 17:3 HCSB)
During this Easter Week, we are reminded that Jesus came to “show us the Father.” When we follow Him, we know who we are and where we are going and what life is all about.