Day 192

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Only God Our Giver!

Ecclesiastes Introduction

The author of Ecclesiastes (traditionally thought to be Solomon) enjoyed power, wealth, and access to all of life's pursuits and pleasures. After experiencing a full measure of life "under the sun" he declares it all to be futile and unsatisfying. Only as he lives "above the sun"—with an eye toward God—does life become meaningful and fulfilling. Ultimate satisfaction comes, not from the good things of life, but from the Giver of life, the One we are to fear, honor and obey.

Scripture

July 10—Ecclesiastes 1-6: The Emptiness of Life's Pursuits

Observation

Ask the average man on the street, "What is life?" and his answer might surprise and amuse you. Ask the Preacher of Ecclesiastes that same question, and his answer will stun you: "Nothing is worthwhile; everything is futile" (1:2). This response is not merely the offhand remark of a sidewalk philosopher, but the reasoned conclusion of one of the wealthiest, wisest, most influential men of the Bible: King Solomon, "King David's son" (1:1). Looking at life under the sun, Solomon realizes that all his vast possessions and grand pursuits will not bring ultimate happiness and fulfillment. Only by including God in the equation can the pieces of life be put together into a meaningful whole.

Application

Try your hand at a tricky little True-False test:
True or False: Salvation is simple.
True or False: Salvation is complex.

The first statement, of course, is True. Salvation is so simple that even a child can respond (Mark 1:13-16). However, the second statement is equally True. Salvation involves such complex theological terms as justification, propitiation and redemption. Salvation is simple or complex, depending on your perspective.

The same can be said of life. Life is meaningless or meaningful depending on you perspective. Tomorrow you will read about the solution to life's vanity. But for today, lets ask ourselves these questions: "Where are we looking for satisfaction in life? Have we found it there? If not, why not? And what would Solomon's counsel be to me?"

Ten Empty Pursuits Apart from God:
Wisdom
(2:15-16)
Fame
(4:16)
Work
(2:19-21)
Money
(5:10)
Possessions
(2:26)
Long Life
(6:6)
Status
(4:4)
Feasting
(6:7)
Companionship
(4:7-12)
Desire
(6:9)

Prayer

Dear Lord, without you in our life our life is meaningless. We do not have to pursue empty wants and desires for we have everything we need today. Thank you for being our Lord and Shepherd that we shall not want because you are our guidance through this thing call life. We give you the praise, the glory and the honor. In Jesus name. Amen!

The Praise belong to God!


© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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