"Absolute futility. Everything is futile."Odd words from the Word of God. Ecclesiastes is an interesting book, evidencing a cynicism that seems to be at odds with the eternal hope we have in God. Some have suggested that Solomon's belief that everything is futile is a consequence of his sin which 1 Kings and 1 Chronicles record. That is possible, but I think the key is a phrase in verse 2.
What does a man gain for all his efforts that he labors at under the sun.Under the sun. In this world. In the here and now. Ecclesiastes is a book about life on earth. It does not deny the reality of eternity, but it does not focus on it. It is about living in this world and this world is badly messed up. It is broken by sin and therefore "everything is futile."
You will never find true meaning and purpose if your life is only lived for this world. If all you care about is money and the things money buys, your life will be futile. If you seek pleasure you will find futility and emptiness. Living for glory, for arrogance, brings only that same emptiness.
There are things we can do, which Solomon mentions throughout Ecclesiastes. But ultimately, the meaning of life is in the glory of God and in the person of Christ.
Without Christ, everything is futile!
Thank you, Lord, for giving meaning and purpose in life that this world can never give.
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