And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind. For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow. Ecclesiastes 1:17-18
I continue my study today of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book. Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Ecclesiastes 1:12-18, which is the second division of Ecclesiastes chapter 1 per the commentary. The commentary emphasizes a key point Solomon indirectly touches on in this division. Solomon has done and seen it all in his life and he sees futility. For believers we may get this feeling of futility with our faith as the commentary shares: "[s]ome think walking with God means things will go well in this life, and then the crisis comes. We get cancer at a young age, lose a job, or face some kind of hardship. We have to understand the reality of life in a cursed, fallen world. Walking with God does not mean everything will come up roses. Things do not always work out immediately as they should....When humanity departed from God’s design, God imposed a curse on the world (Genesis 3, Romans 8). Therefore, everything is broken in our world and in our lives. We try to find ways out of the brokenness but only end up more broken and frustrated. We turn to possessions and pleasurable experiences and status and relationships and even to religion trying to fix what is broken, but it is futile. No amount of pleasurable experiences, job success, or religious ritual can fix what is broken. As we will see, this reality is part of God’s goodness in our lives. He imposed the futility in hope that we would long for and hope in Him!" The commentary concludes with the following: "the Holy Spirit inspired Ecclesiastes to convict you of your own meaninglessness in your current existence in order to “make you wise for salvation through Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). Romans 8 tells us we are groaning for rescue right along with this frustrated creation! That’s exactly what we are directed toward in the conclusion of Ecclesiastes." Satisfy this frustration with Jesus Christ!
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - welcoming me back when I go astray into sin - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such a God who loves and saves! My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
