Life lesson from the book of Ecclesiastes By Kavitha Noel
The sermon was about the life lesson we can get from the book of Ecclesiastes in Bible.
The preacher started with a background of the author of the book, who is believed to be Solomon. 2 Chronicles 1:7 to 10 tell us how when asked what he wants, Solomon asks God for wisdom. God was pleased when he did not ask for any worldly thing but wisdom so that he could perform the God-given duty of governing the people of Israel well.
1 Kings 11:3 tells us how he had 700 wives and 300 concubines.
The Lord spilt his kingdom because he held on to these women and turned his heart way from God. One tribe only was given to him: Judah and only to fulfill the promise God made to David.
Solomon, the wisest person apart from Christ in the whole Bible, also has wealth and success like no other. After living a full and complete life rich of all experiences, he pens this book to answer some fundamental questions of life, to illustrate the futility of various worldly things and to show how only the life that is per God’s ways is meaningful.
The word ‘vanity’ or in other words futility/meaningless appears 30 times. Let’s look at some of the things he considers meaningless:
Eccl 1:16-18 Solomon talks about the uselessness of pursuit of wisdom and knowledge. In Eccl 2:4 to 9, he admits the futility of all the acquisitions. In 2:10b-11, he laments that everything worked for was no gain at all. In Eccl 2:20-23, he says all his labour and toil was in vain. The uselessness of riches, wealth and money (Eccl 5:10-12), popularity, and other things is mentioned too. In Eccl 3:20, he mentions about death, which makes an end to all.
The preacher said that we must realize that all these things are temporal. Not that they are bad but we make the mistake of pursuing e them as life goals. She said that based on his musings in the book, we can deduce that Solomon repented his ways and turned to God again.
The question is: how should we live then?
Eccl 8:12 talks about the fear of God. That is what makes the difference.
God gives wealth and the ability to enjoy the pleasured. The preacher gave the example of some politicians who have lots of wealth but are always fearful or face untimely death.
To lead a good life, we must be happy and do good to others. We shouldn’t be worried. If we don’t remember God, this life is lost.
Solomon talks about life after death and says whatever we do good or bad, God will judge us. Hence, we must fear God and obey His commandments. Not fear of punishment but reverence and honor for who He is; by following what He says willingly rather than trying to run our life. Awe, thankfulness, and gratitude for Him. Leading such a life is the most fulfilling thing any human can do.
If we have question about we are on earth for, let us remember He is in control and has a purpose for each of us. We only need to live life how He expects us to and enjoy each day He has given.
Reflection by Shubha Jha