During these past few weeks, our Sunbury SmallGroup has been meeting and going through an overview of the book of Ecclesiastes. In the book of Ecclesiastes, the Preacher reflects on the pursuit of significance and meaning in life. He contends that many people try to insulate themselves from the harsh reality of existence by seeking wisdom, pleasure, work, and possessions. Ultimately, he argues that death is an ultimate reality that we often try to avoid facing. His overarching point is that WE SHOULD acknowledge the reality of death in order to find joy in receiving life as a gift. As you go about your Saturday, here are some thoughts that I thought might encourage you as you consider “living life backwards.”
1) Embrace Life's Transience
There is not nothing more enjoyable for me than spending time with my family! I enjoy hiking, coffee-shopping, and exploring with my wife and kids; and watching them interact with the world (my kids, of course). At the heart of being human is our desire for happiness! It's something we crave in everything we do, whether it's working, relationships, raising a family, or having fun. We want to make a difference and have control over our lives. We make plans and dreams, all with the goal of finding happiness and purpose. Throughout Ecclesiastes, Solomon continually highlights the transient nature of life. He asserts that wisdom, pleasure, work, and possessions often serve as mere distractions that insulate us from the reality of our mortality (Ec 1:16–17). By acknowledging the certainty of death, we find deeper joy in receiving life as a gift from God rather than striving for our own personal gain. The pursuit of happiness and pleasure, while natural, cannot provide lasting satisfaction! He is quick to jolt us to this eternal perspective.
2) Confront the Reality of Death
Solomon, recognizes that death is an unavoidable reality that affects both the wise and the foolish. He says, “For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.” (Ec 2:16)” He emphasizes that without confronting the inevitability of death, we engage in self-deception and fail to live authentically. One author said it this way, “The reality is that if death doesn’t inform the way we live, then death is something we are pretending doesn’t exist.” As followers, we must recognize that there is a great fleeting nature that comes with worldly accomplishments. If we seek to gain for ourselves and our kingdom, we must realize that it is ultimately temporary and will eventually be left behind. Solomon argues that we must accept the brevity of life, to gain a clearer perspective on the significance of our pursuits! Essentially, weigh everything in light of eternity!
3) Discover True Fulfillment
At the end of chapter 2, Solomon states this: “there is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.” In the face of life's futility and the reality of death, we find a glimmer of hope…true enjoyment and fulfillment come from God. Rather than striving to control and master life for our own gain and kingdom, we are called to receive it as a precious gift. Solomon states that there is nothing better for a person than to find joy in simple realities such as eating, drinking, and enjoying their work. By recognizing these as gifts from God, we shift our focus from personal gain seeking control to appreciating blessings as given by God! He succinctly states in verse 26, “for God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy.”
As you consider your day, week, and upcoming month…I challenge you to align yourself with His Word and His ways! Life is to be enjoyed as given, but leveraged for His eternal glory! It’s a life that is “lived backwards,” but it is a life that is lived for His glory!
Sincerely,
Pastor Jordan Kosinski