10.13.21
Life’s Puzzles
The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth. (Ecclesiastes 12:10)
Last week we looked at six reasons why Solomon wrote the book of Ecclesiastes under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Today we focus on the major themes of this important book.
First, Solomon teaches that life is a puzzle. It is enigmatic for it leaves many questions unanswered. A key word used is ‘vanity,’ which can be translated as ‘puzzling.’ The human mind cannot solve all of life’s problems. Things don’t always follow the rules. Good people do not always prosper, and rich people are not always happy.
The second major theme is an encouragement to enjoy life while at the same time being accountable to God. Rejoice, O young man, in your youth; and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of your eyes: but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. (11:9) Just because life is puzzling does not mean we need to give up on it. If we keep our lives anchored to God, we can live life to its fullest. The Jewish people read this book during their celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles, a joyful autumn festival of harvest. It fits because Solomon says we are to enjoy the produce God has provided.
The third theme is that the true meaning of life cannot be found in the temporal, earthly sphere. Solomon had searched for fulfillment ‘under the sun,’ leaving God out of the picture. He kept concluding that life is frustrating and meaningless.
Fourth, God has created humans with a hunger for eternal things. He has made everything beautiful in his time: also he has set the world [eternity] in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God makes from the beginning to the end. (3:11) We are unique from the rest of Creation for we are made in His image. The ever-changing scope of life may bring temporary happiness, but it cannot satisfy the deep hunger of the human heart that years for the Eternal.
Fifth, death is always in the background. Human life on this earth eventually has an end. What is done in this life is a preparation for eternity. We must therefore invest our lives in that which will stand the test of time.
And finally, we are assured that only God gives joy. Life is bleak without Him in the picture. The unending cycle of life and death outside of God serves no purpose, it has no reason.
Tragically, many a person has come to this conclusion, deciding that ending their own life is better than the chaos, pain and seeming purposeless of this life.
Amidst all of the gloom in the book, there is a message of optimism and hope. When we take God into account, our eternal hunger is satisfied, we have joy in the face of life’s puzzles, and we have assurance for the future. I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him. (3:14)
Ecclesiastes is a powerful and important book in this modern world for it gives solid answers to lifes troubling questions.