Morning Devotion - Eccl 1

Read Ecclesiastes 1

This morning we begin a new book - The motto (Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.) appears at the beginning and at the end of the book (12:8), and is reinforced over and over throughout the book. The word "vanity" literally means "vapor" and appears 29 times in this book. It is used here to emphasize the temporary nature of everything we know through our senses. The word "preacher" means "the gatherer" of the people of God for covenant assembly. "Fleeting, fleeting, all is fleeting!" says the one calling us to gather in God's presence - the Assembler. This is an interesting motto for an intriguing book!

We have talked about the beginning and end. The body of the book has three cycles. Each one begins with statements that seem to emphasize the futility of trying to build a lasting legacy in this world in which we live. While these verses may seem hopelessly dreary, they are an honest appraisal of the human condition. It will not help us to pretend that these problems do not existence. Living a life of pretense will not solve our problems. Everything is not all right.

The Assembler is going to explore the frustration and futility connected to even the best work and even the most diligent pursuit of wisdom. Both of these ideas are introduced at the end of the first chapter.

Concerning work:
"What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be counted." (1:15) There is evidence all around us of what is broken and what appears to be missing in this world of decay and loss. Furthermore, there will be no fixing of this even through our best efforts.

Concerning the pursuit of wisdom:
"In much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow." (1:18) The more we explore wisdom, the more we are puzzled and even troubled.

There must be some answer for us to this honest opening assessment, for we know that our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Cor 15:58). That answer must have something to do with the One who came from outside this fleeting world, and who wins for us solid joys and lasting treasures - the One who is both the Wisdom and Power of God (1 Cor 1:24) - Jesus Christ, the Covenant Mediator between God and man, and the Assembler of God's people.

Stay tuned for more painful words and some very important answers in the midst of a refreshingly honest struggle. God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)