Learning Through the Book of Ecclesiastes

Learning Through the Book of Ecclesiastes

The Book of Ecclesiastes centers on a man’s searching for meaning and purpose in life. We can see this on how the author of this book repeatedly mentions that life is meaningless or everything is vanity under the sun.

Since the beginning of times, we are in long search for meaning, and many people are trying to find that meaning in wrong places – work, accomplishments, money, power, love affairs, and anything that is temporary.

The author of Ecclesiastes even tried to understand these mysteries of life and tried to ask God, consequently, by using his own human wisdom. However, we can never understand God’s wisdom by using our own. Why? (1) Because God works in the Spirit (Ecclesiastes 11:5) and only a person who is spiritual can understand the works of God (James 3:13-18); (2) The wisdom we have here are just foolishness before God (1 Corinthians 3:19).

Why are we in this quest of long search for meaning?

When God created us, in Genesis 1, we are created in the same day as animals (Genesis 1:25). The purpose of God in this idea is this, if we fail to understand and recognize the difference between man and animals, eventually, man stoops into the level of animals.

Basically, man has body and soul. Same with animals (Ecclesiastes 3:18-22). What makes us special is that we are created in God’s image and likeness (Genesis 1:26). That image is the Spirit of God. When God breathed us His breathe of life, we became a living soul (Genesis 2:7). However, when Adam and Eve sinned against God (Genesis 3), that breathe of life is the same Spirit that we lost. This explains Ecclesiastes 3:11, that there is always a longing of eternity in our hearts. This is the same void in our lives that the Spirit of God left when we are separated from Him because of sin.

Now, the basic character of animals is being driven by instinct. If they are hungry, they will eat, even if it means of hurting their prey. This is called survival of the fittest.

Without the presence of God in us, we also sinks on this level. We are moving because we want to get something for ourselves without being sensible on the needs of others. You see, after the fall, we only not lose the love of God but also the love for our brothers. These two, however, is the summary of commandment according to Jesus (Matthew 22:37-39) and what constitutes holiness according to Paul (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13).

The Purpose of Man

God created us originally for a purpose. That purpose is for us to rule over all creation (Genesis 1:26).

Basically we are the delegating authority of God’s Kingdom here on earth.

After the fall, this purpose of God for man was being marred because of sin. However, nothing can ever thwart the plan of God, so from generation to generation, God is always looking for a man whom He can use for His purpose. However, since there is still no Holy Spirit within man at the time, it was never perfected.

But God solved the problem by the coming of Jesus Christ. His death on the cross opens the door for us for a much better covenant and opens the door for the Holy Spirit to come into our hearts.

In Ecclesiastes 9:8, it is said that ‘Let thy garment be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.’ Meaning, we must get rid of sin first and be purified before the Holy Spirit will come to us. This explains the necessity of Baptism to Christians.

After that, we must have to make it sure that in every walks of our life, we have the permission and anointing of the Holy Spirit of God.

And we know that the Holy Spirit will guide us into all the truths of life (John 16:13). The works of the Holy Spirit are:

(1)To Lead our way and gives us light (Exodus 13:21-22)

(2)To overcome our weaknesses (2 Peter 1:3-4, Romans 8:2-6)

(3)To overcome oppositions of the enemy (Luke 10:19)

(4)The Holy Spirit will perfect us to become the true sons and daughters of God. (Ephesians 1:13-14)

Now, going back to Ecclesiastes 3:1, ‘To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.’

In the New Covenant, God’s purpose for man is translated in the church. Collectively, as a church, our purpose is to bring this world into subjection to Christ – a priestly kingdom that will mediate this world to Christ. (1 Peter 2:9-10, Matthew 28:19-20)

Individually, our purpose is to be part of the Body Life of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:11) and be conformed to Christ (Romans 8:29) is our goal.

In conclusion, no matter how much we acquired knowledge and wisdom in this life, we cannot fathom life’s meaning without ourselves being connected to the source of life. So, what must we do then? (1) Fear God, for the fear of the Lord is the beginning of true wisdom concerning life (Proverbs 9:10), (2) Keep God’s Commandments in our hearts, minds and actions. Why? Because in the end, God will everything into judgment, whether good or bad . (Ecclesiastes 12:12-14, Proverbs 22:4)