This post continues the exploration of the book of Ecclesiastes
There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat
and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of
God, for
apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? (Ecclesiastes
2:24-25 ESV)
Ecclesiastes can seem to be a ‘cynical’
book, particularly early on, but it is not a book devoid of hope and
faith. In the above verses, the author
reaches an early conclusion: because life and existence are “vanity” (again this
word means ‘temporary ‘or ‘transient’ as a vapor) and there seems to be no
great purpose, a person should seek the simple pleasures of the world—a good
meal, a fine wine, a job which makes one feel complete and valued. Don’t worry about trying to change the world;
just be at peace with yourself. The
author sees God’s hand in this (only the second time thus far that God has been
mentioned in the book).
The author has come to a critical
realization: “apart from [God] who can eat or who can have enjoyment?” For the first time in his discourse on vain
things, the author sees ‘beyond the sun’ to something more; a vertical
dimension to life. These are the first
steps of faith—the recognition of something more that what can be experienced “under
the sun”.
Recognition of God, and our need to
be connected to Him, is a vital step towards discovering our life’s meaning and
purpose. The writer of Hebrews puts it
this way: “without faith it is impossible to please [God], for whoever would
draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek
him.” (Hebrews 11:6 ESV) The author of
Ecclesiastes believes that God exists and believes that He gives “wisdom and
knowledge and joy” (2:26) to those who please Him. He has not yet discovered meaning, but has
taken a crucial first step.
Every person’s search for meaning
must begin here as well. If one only
look ‘horizontally’, what the book of Ecclesiastes refers to as “under the sun”
they will never find ultimate fulfillment or purpose. Only as a person takes the first steps of faith
and looks ‘vertically’, or as I say ‘beyond the sun’, will they begin to
discover the meaning they long for.
