Day 136 – Ecclesiastes: Theme
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT
When Solomon became king, he asked God for wisdom, and God made him the wisest man in the world. He studied, taught, judged, and wrote. Kings and leaders from other nations came to Jerusalem to learn from him. But with all his practical insight on life, Solomon failed to heed his own advice, and he began a downward spiral. At some point near the end of his life, Solomon looked back with an attitude of humility and repentance. He took stock of his life, hoping to spare his readers the bitterness of learning through personal experience that everything apart from God is empty, hollow, and meaningless.
Although the tone of Ecclesiastes is pessimistic, we must not conclude that the only chapter worth reading and applying is the last one, where he draws his conclusions. The entire book is filled with practical wisdom (how to accomplish things in the world and stay out of trouble) and spiritual wisdom (how to find and know eternal values).
Solomon had a very honest approach. All his remarks relating to the futility of life are there for a purpose: to lead us to seek fulfilment and happiness in God alone. He was not trying to destroy all hope but to direct our hopes to the only One who can truly fulfil them and give life meaning. He affirms the value of knowledge, relationships, work, and pleasure, but only in their proper place and season. Everything temporal must be seen in light of the eternal.
Ecclesiastes teaches us about life – the good and bad, and shows us stern warnings and dire predictions pointing us towards the only One who gives us, not only life, but life eternal.
Prayer: Father, in all our seasons of life, You never leave us. Though we might at times feel like the words of Solomon resonate with our soul, we can only find wisdom, truth, happiness and life in seeking You in all. Guide us with these words to understand the meaning of Your love behind it. Amen.
