June 6
Ecclesiastes 1:12-6:12
We are all surrounded by those who have no real faith in God, in family, in the workplace, in our neighborhoods. Hopefully we are about our Master's business and introducing them to the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. The question arises, which book should they consider reading first, or where should we be referring to in our discussions. Many would state the book of John or Romans. But Pastor Chuck Swindoll says that when surrounded by unbelievers we should turn to the book of Ecclesiastes. It exposes like no other what life is like without God, whether that life appear full or empty, full of riches or poverty, full of successes or failures, apart from God. The phrase "under the sun", which represents what life in the world looks like apart from God is used close to 30 times in this book. The word "vanity", or "emptiness" is used 37 times in this book. Unless the unbeliever realizes how empty the pursuit of life is apart from God, then comes to repentance in recognition of this, the first step towards a bona fide relationship with God cannot take place.
The book begins with ""Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity."" (Ecclesiastes 1:2). King Solomon, the author of this book wrote this later in his life. As a young man, he wrote , Song of Solomon, full of romance and optimism. Then in middle adulthood, he compiled all the wisdom that God had given him in the book of Proverbs. But he wrote the book of Ecclesiastes as an older man, reflecting back on his life and on all the meaningless pursuits that he undertook. He was rich beyond our wildest imaginations, where silver was considered common. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines, as he satisfied every conceivable lust of the flesh. He built gardens, palaces, thrones, etc. You are looking at a man who reached the pinnacle of every considerable desire of mankind. Yet, on reflection, he realized it was all meaningless, all an empty pursuit. As you move through the chapters of this book, he details the emptiness of pursuing everything outside of God.
He concludes in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, "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." This is not what the world pushes, and we have all been influenced by the fakeness of pursuing all that life has to offer. Social media exploits it, friends brag about it, professors promise it. Apart from God, your life will come to an empty end. You will feel the barrenness of seeking to fulfill life's desires. Seek God. He and He alone will fulfill both your time on earth and more importantly only He can welcome you into heaven. Every person seeking God must realize this, and the truths contained in this book, before focusing one's eyes on God.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: