My daily bible study these days is caught up in the reading
the book of Ecclesiastes along with Eaton’s commentary in the Tyndale series.
When one reads the book, the first impression is “So depressing.” Ecclesiastes
is known for its pessimism about life and justice. And to read it in bits and
pieces, that first impression is accurate.
But going deeper into the book, there is one foundational
distinction that needs to be made. Life is pessimistic, to be sure …”under the
sun.” And life under the sun is deliberately contrasted with life in God. The
Preacher, in his writing of Ecclesiastes, makes it clear what sort of life we
are to lead. Once we have the knowledge that God is master of all things, then
everything we do is to done with joy and contentment.
Will bad things happen? Sure. Will sin go unpunished? Sure.
Will the wicked prosper? Sure. But Ecclesiastes lets us know that these are not
the permanent things of life. What those who believe in God are called to do is
thank God for the gifts of food and drink, companionship and love, and live in
the knowledge that God has got this.
I take it to heart that we are called to live joyful and
contented lives. But that is difficult for us. I want to say that it is difficult
in ministry these days. Dwindling congregations, dwindling influence, dwindling
resources. Congregations that exist just for the sake of existing. A spiritual thirst
that seeks not to be quenched. Prayers for revival and renewal going
unanswered. Long days and longer nights wodering about the church of tomorrow. Needs
to be met, but how?
St. Paul, in Philippians, knew what it was to be in need. He
was in prison, apart from the churches and mission he loved so much. He faced
persecution and violence that are a far cry from the middle class church issues
we face. But what does he write,
“…I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I
know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every
circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance
and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Philippians
4:11-13 ESV
And this is the message of Ecclesiastes to the one living in
faith. Under the sun, everything fails. Greed…fails. Lust…fails. Power…fails. Health…fails.
Each of these idols just tries to perpetuate itself. Always looking for more
and greater things. I want more money. I want greater pleasure. I want to be
skinnier. All of these ultimately lead nowhere except the grave, and you can’t
take it with you.
The Preacher in Ecclesiastes, as Paul in Philippians, says “Be
content in what God has given you.” And when the pessimism and darkness comes,
as it will, read and re-read what Paul writes in Phil 4:13, “I can do all
things through him who strengthens me.”
SDG
Rev. Michael
