2019 Mar 09 Ecclesiastes 1, Psalm 108
2019 Mar 09 Ecclesiastes 1, Psalm 108
With a warm welcome, wishing you a pleasant day! Proverbs 9 was completed last month, so we’ll sub a beginning look at Ecclesiastes 1 this day, verses 1-4:
“1 The words of the congregator, the son of David, the king in Jerusalem. 2 “The greatest futility!” says the congregator, “The greatest futility! Everything is futile!” 3 What does a person gain from all his hard work At which he toils under the sun? 4 A generation is going, and a generation is coming, But the earth remains forever.”
Eccle 1:1 Recall that Ecclesiastes is part of God’s inspired word, so the contents were not just from wise King Solomon, but also from God himself. Also, considering Psalm 72 discusses the rulership of God’s son Jesus, with the heading “Regarding Solomon,” this wise son of King David was a type foreshadowing God’s son. Disappointed at the lack of faith of many Jesus sought to teach, he said, at Luke 11:31 “31 The queen of the south will be raised up in the judgment with the men of this generation and will condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solʹo·mon. But look! something more than Solʹo·mon is here.” So there would be a Greater Solomon to rule God’s Kingdom, restoring true peace, happiness, and loyalty to God earth-wide. Jesus set an excellent example in teaching people the truth about God, making it plain among his faithful disciples. His teachings have proven to bring people together in true peace, perhaps even more so than did Solomon, who is nevertheless still called “the congregator.” We can benefit from Solomon’s wisdom today, as we give attention to it.
Eccle 1:2 Often in Ecclesiastes, Solomon looks at things from God’s exalted view, but in this book he usually focuses on life in this system of things, not as things will be in God’s new world of righteousness. Only occasional references were made regarding the new earthly society under God’s Kingdom before Jesus began his ministry. So this book opens our eyes to the vanity of ignoring spiritual pursuits, and focusing only on pleasures and material things in this life. “Everything is futile!” Solomon says. The world as a whole often sets aside spiritual matters—may this be changing, as we get ever nearer the time for God’s Kingdom to step in and set all matters right! God’s judgment through his son is impending, and lives are at stake. So spiritual matters should take priority, as we learn to cultivate a relationship with God and a love for divine knowledge and wisdom, bringing true success to our life, especially as regards eternal life.
Eccle 1:3 What does a man gain by such things? Well, certainly we do need to provide for the needs of ourselves and our families, and such hard work is to be duly appreciated by those benefitting from it. But should we go to extremes and become a workaholic, seeking greater and greater material benefits, while losing attention and focus on the true happiness of our family—no longer meeting their spiritual needs? How vital that we not get carried away by the wearisome focus by the world on materials interests, trying to make us believe we need this or that—may we maintain godly discernment to see the real difference between what we want, and what we truly need, and what we don’t!
Eccle 1:4 So it goes with life in this system of things—sin and death continues to plague mankind, so that generations have come and gone. Nevertheless, we are living at a very momentous time—Jesus said regarding the period the Bible calls “the last days,” when certain foretold events would be transpiring, that “34 Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things happen.” (Matth 24:34). Yes, we’re nearing a special time for mankind. After Martha’s brother Lazarus had died, Jesus told her, at John 11:23, “Your brother will rise.” Now God’s word reveals that some have heavenly life prospects, while others are to return to the earth. For more information, see the article “Finding Truth” elsewhere on this website. Martha replied to Jesus: “I know he will rise in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus followed up with these words, again revealing the time we are nearing: “25 Jesus said to her: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life; 26 and everyone who is living and exercises faith in me will never die at all. Do you believe this?” Yes, the time is nearing for God to fulfill His purpose regarding this earth, while those alive then may “never die,” helping to transform the earth into Paradise conditions and our loved ones resurrected from times past, to learn of God’s ways of true peace and happiness, with prospects of eternal living! (Acts 24:15; Revel 11:18). Note also the mention here in Ecclesiastes that the earth is an eternal home, that “remains forever!” (Psalm 37:29; Isaiah 45:18). May God’s will be done, as in heaven, also upon earth!
Psalm 108:1-6, a psalm of King David, exalts God—praising His loyal love and faithfulness toward mankind. Notice how it reads: “1 My heart is steadfast, O God. I will sing and make music with my whole being. 2 Do awake, O stringed instrument; you too, O harp. I will awaken the dawn. 3 I will praise you among the peoples, O Jehovah, And I will sing praises to you among the nations. 4 For your loyal love is great, as high as the heavens, And your faithfulness, up to the skies. 5 Be exalted above the heavens, O God; May your glory be over all the earth. 6 So that your loved ones may be rescued, Save us with your right hand and answer me.”
May our hearts also become “steadfast,” loyal to God and His right ways. Music and singing may enrich our life, especially if we have learned to play some type of instrument, and do our best to sing along. Music is a part of the brain that can and should be developed—it is one of the first things a baby may respond to very early in development. How fine if such music is in harmony with, or even promoting, God’s loving will, ways, and purpose! We may listen to all kinds of music agreeable to God, but certainly Jehovah is worthy of our highest praise! May we acknowledge His greatness, as He rescues and saves mankind for eternal life.
Find Life and See
Between Winchester, Virginia, and hopefully, Washington D.C., having confidence that our thankful trust in God will not fail to inspire us to the peace He has purposed via His Kingdom!
