Ecclesiastes 2 - 1.16.23
Scripture
Ecclesiastes 2:11 NLT
“But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.”
Observation-What does it say?
Although the author of the book of Ecclesiastes is never mentioned by name, all evidence points that it was David’s son, King Solomon, who wrote this book; and what a life King Solomon lived! He had it all! He had lots and lots of money, the big houses, an abundance of women, and servants at his beck and call. I’m sure if there were cars back then, he would have garages filled with them! But even with all that, and all his accomplishments, King Solomon still felt empty inside.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Pursuing God is the wisest decision you can make.
King Solomon is considered to be the wisest man to ever walk the face of the earth; and why shouldn’t he be?! Of all the things he could have asked God for, he asked God for wisdom to lead his people, and God blessed him with it. So I think it’s best if we listen and cling on to every word he has to share. In this passage, and in this book, King Solomon’s main theme is that everything we spend our time in life pursuing, (money, power, sex, and fame), is meaningless! It is a waste of our time! And if anyone would know, it’s King Solomon. He had access to all of it! But when it was all said and done, King Solomon still walked away feeling empty and unfulfilled inside. His wisdom showed him that the more he obtained, the more he wanted. The more he had, the more others wanted to take or steal from him. All the knowledge and wealth he worked so hard to obtain, would just be handed off to his successor who could foolishly squander it. As King Solomon would say, “how meaningless.”
So what was King Solomon’s conclusion? It was that the only true thing that can bring you true joy, happiness, and a sense of fulfillment is pursuing God and following His ways.
“For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him? God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him.”-Ecclesiastes 2:25-26a
“That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.”-Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
So how am I spending my time here on earth? What things am I wasting my time pursuing? Will I choose to be wise, or live like a fool chasing meaningless things?
Life Application
Spend my time wisely.
If you fast forward and read chapter 12 (the final chapter) of the book of Ecclesiastes, you read about an older and much wiser King Solomon. He urges the reader to not waste their youth by forgetting God. He implores them to not wait until they’re old and gray to choose to follow and obey God. We must do it now!
Let’s use this time of our 28 Days of Prayer & Fasting to pursue God, and follow His ways. Let’s cut out the distractions in our lives that take us away from wholeheartedly doing that. Let’s make sure we are putting our time and efforts pursuing the things that truly matter in life. Let’s use this discipline to not just carry us through the month of January. Let’s use it to jumpstart us in a more deeper and more meaningful relationship with God for the rest of our lives. Know that when we do, we will walk away feeling more joyous and fulfilled. 😊
-Moses Gaddi