June 7th~Truth in the Tragedy

Ecclesiastes 7:1-11:6

Solomon’s book of Ecclesiastes has been called “the Black Sheep” of the Old Testament because its message does not seem to align with the theme of the other books. With thoughts like “Everything is meaningless,” and “Just have fun because death is coming,” and “It is all decided by chance,” there is no wonder why some might make this claim. However, one must remember that Solomon is making these statements from his limited perspective, from “under the sun.”

Still, whatever our thoughts are of Ecclesiastes, there are some wonderful truths to note. For example, prosperity is not always good and adversity is not always bad. Having money to buy or do whatever you want sounds nice but it can lead to greed, self-reliance, and a false sense of security. It is also very difficult for wealthy people to grow spiritually; easy living does not provide many opportunities for God to work. While we may not be fond of adversity, it has its advantages. That which stretches us causes us to grow. Adversity brings us to the end of our own strength and wisdom and causes us, instead, to rely upon God for help. That’s why James wrote, “Count it all joy when you encounter various trials...” (1:2, 3).

Another truth that is readily seen on the pages of Ecclesiastes is the fact that life is not fair. Whether you are rich or poor, wise or foolish, difficulty comes to all. While wisdom may give us an advantage in life, it does not give us immunity from life. Bad things happen to good people, though Solomon rightly points out that “not a single person in all the earth is always good and never sins” (7:20). “Good people are often treated as though they were wicked, and wicked people are often treated as though they were good. This is so meaningless!” (8:14).

Finally, Solomon majors on the end of life on earth. He said many times in many ways, “The same destiny awaits everyone, whether they are righteous, wicked, good or bad...” (9:2). While he is right in one way, he is short-sighted in another way. From man’s perspective, death is the end. From God’s perspective, death is the beginning. Solomon was not aware of the promise of eternal life for the followers of Christ. A barrier must exist between this life and the next, and that barrier is death. Therefore, earthly death is not final for God’s people; rather it is a transition.

Daily Reflection

If God strengthens our faith more in times of adversity, then why do we pray more for blessing and prosperity? Which one do you pray for?

Have you discovered that life is not fair? How have you reasoned through this truth biblically?

If death is a transition from this flawed life to the flawless life that awaits us, then is there really any reason to fear it?

BiAY.org | Day 158 — 207 Days to Go