The author of the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon, refers to himself as the preacher, meaning “one who gathers or assembles.” Ecclesiastes, Solomon’s written sermon, is an analysis of life’s experiences and a critical essay about life’s true meaning. Solomon takes us on a journey through his life, and what a life he had, and in a summary statement he says all that he had done was “meaningless.” The lesson to be learned is life without God is meaningless. It does not matter what one achieves in life, how successful you might be, without God it is all vanity. Listen to the wise man: “Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and the vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.” (Eccl. 2:11) Solomon’s presentation, though pessimistic, nevertheless shows that life is ultimately better with God. His presence does not shield us from all trouble, but it guarantees us that we will have His power to meet adversity.
What is the purpose of life? It is that we should fear the all-powerful God. To fear does not mean to cringe in terror, but to respect, revere and stand in awe of God because of who He is. Purpose in life starts with whom we know, not what we know or how good we are. It is impossible to fulfill your God-given purpose unless you revere God and give Him first place in your life. Solomon says when all has been said, all has been done: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. (Eccl. 12:13-14) Amen!
Pastor J. Amos Jones
