The Way to True HappinessSample

Vanity of vanities

Ecclesiastes teaches that life often appears meaningless and empty. That seems to be a pessimistic, or even nihilistic, way of looking at life. After all, what do we live for if it is all meaningless and pointless? However, if we accuse the writer of Ecclesiastes of being a pessimist, we have misunderstood him. He just shows us that life without God is meaningless. He admits that life can have its good moments, and the future seem bright. But he wants to make crystal clear what are the consequences and significance of a life without God. Such a life is empty, even if it is full of all kinds of things. You can accomplish a lot, but if it is without God, it will be meaningless in the end.

The lessons of Genesis 2-3 are fundamental to understanding the author of Ecclesiastes. Humanity rebelled against God, thinking they could live without Him. They chose to be autonomous, to be accountable to no one. That situation still exists, and will continue to do so until God restores this fallen world. God will free creation from the futility which it suffers. Creation is still subject to corruption. Nature is caught in endless cycles of birth, death and decay. But it will not remain in that state. Creation groans and suffers; as if in the pains of childbirth (Romans 8:22). Jesus himself uses the image of birth pains (Matthew 24:8).

The birth of the renewed creation is imminent. Believers look forward to this future event! For this new world will be eternal. God's Kingdom will have no end. Right now, we can only see life here on earth, life "under the sun". This life is fleeting. Jesus calls our attention to what is invisible, to that which is still with God in heaven. We are to keep our eyes on Him, who is the Founder and Perfecter of our faith. He will make all things perfect in the end (Hebrews 12:2).