The book of Ecclesiastes is a masterpiece of experiential deduction. The initial words of the preacher, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity” (1:2), is not a theoretical supposition — it is what he observed.
“And I set my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven; this burdensome task God has given to the sons of man, by which they may be exercised. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind. What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be numbered. I communed with my heart, saying, ‘Look, I have attained greatness, and have gained more wisdom than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My heart has understood great wisdom and knowledge.’ And I set my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is grasping for the wind. For in much wisdom is much grief, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow” (Ecclesiastes 1:13-18).
Through all of his experiences, the preacher remained driven by a desire to know the purpose of life. He did not find it in greatness nor in knowledge, much less in madness and folly. Through it all, he persisted in his efforts, “And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs. The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright—words of truth” (12:9-10).
Is this not what we all search for? Words of truth? The true purpose in our existence on earth? The preacher’s search was not vain. After he tried all that the world had to offer, he came to a stunning conclusion. A conclusion that all men need to hear and heed.
“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” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
Of course, what the preacher learned from experience, those who wish to can learn from faith. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
Do you believe in Jesus? Then believe these words, “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:8-9).
The words of truth are clear. Jesus Christ, the Savior of mankind, is the Lord of our lives. He has decreed that we love Him. He has decreed what form that love is to take, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
Too many today are seeking salvation on their terms rather than His. Faith is more than mere mental assent, Jesus requires obedience on our part. “But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18).
Why do so many claim that we need not obey the commands of our God? It makes no sense. This is what the preacher learned, “For this is man’s all”!
To see The Patternists Page on Facebook, click here, and Like!
