Reading in Ecclesiastes

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