As we try to understand Ecclesiastes, another important aspect of the book is the author’s quest for knowledge. Words like see, find, seek, search, etc. show us the way that the writer has investigated the mysteries of this earthly life. He is trying to find something lasting, something that will provide lasting satisfaction. In that search, he looked at at least 10 things that don’t satisfy:
- Knowledge (1:12-18)
- Pleasure (2:1-11)
- Possessions (2:4-8)
- Work (2:18-23)
- Rivalry (4:4)
- Power (4:13-16)
- Riches (5:10-17)
- Children (6:3)
- Long life (6:6)
- Food (6:7)
As Ecclesiastes says, there is nothing new under the sun. Despite the Bible’s teachings, people continue to try and find fulfillment in these very things.
Ecclesiastes it seems to me was written by a confused and disheartened preacher, and when you read through it, it says the same thing as other books which say more clearly, we are not to lay up treasure here, and don’t depend upon worldly things.
Off subject, but a subject nonetheless you have written on many times, Christianity vs patriotism. To day was the big day we have all been waiting on “Pray at the flagpole” . As I delivered my two fishing buddies to school this day, both the high school and Travis elementary was partially blocked by those who it seemed was praying “To the Flag” and not to God with the flag in attendance. And in both instances there were adult supervision and direction given to the children who had chosen to participate, which my grandsons were not among. In both cases which I observed the children were placed within a circle around the pole, facing the pole with heads bowed, as if giving reverence to the “FLAG” I did not hear what was said nor who said it, but those who were not familiar would certainly have come to the conclusion our children were being taught to pray to the flag. It looked that way to me and I knew what was going on. It may be just one step away from being the reality , religion + patriotism. God help us.
The book of Ecclesiastes just may be the place to begin a conversation with an unbelieving postmodern, post-Christian culture.
Grace and peace,
Rex
P.s. Laymond, I think you make a good point on you observation about “See You at the Flagpole” day.
Another great post Sir, seems we tend to run after material things that mean nothing in the end or even to what is “real” in life. Thanks!
I’ve always been amazed at how long ago “The Teacher” said, “nothing’s new under the sun,” and it’s still true today … we still pursue all the same things and then discover the meaninglessness in it all. One thing I appreciate about Ecclesiastes is how easily some could relate to the hard lessons the author had to learn through experience. And yeah, the same things are taught throughout the Bible, and maybe more clearly, sure. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t relate to some of the other authors quite as easily. But, man, I have made a lot of mistakes, and they’re a lot like things the Teacher did too.
Laymond, I think I know what you’re saying about the flag … and I admit I’m much on the same page about our patriotism to this country as Tim is … but anyway, it takes a lot of courage to do that in front of your whole school. At least where I grew up (not anywhere close to the Bible Belt), and there was a very small percentage of us who would admit we were Christians. There was a very good chance you’d be ridiculed for claiming Christ — I think we should commend the students who will do it. I don’t know how it came to be “See you at the pole,” but I wonder if it’s just one of those things that you’ll find at every school, so they just chose it as their meeting place. Perhaps you’re right that they could just pray near the flag, and not around it, as if that’s what they’re praying to.
You’re right – people do continue to try to find fulfillment in those very things.
My daughter was involved in “Prayer at the Flagpole” in her school years ago. The flagpole was just a location to gather. Nothing more. It could have just as easily been “Prayer at the Gymnasium” or “Prayer in the Parking Lot.” The prayer was to God.
Years ago at a small, rural church in North Alabama, we were studying through Ecclesiastes and a woman asked the question, “Did they have automobiles and computers back in Bible days? It says there is nothing new under the sun.” She was dead serious. I just wanted to shake my head in astonishment that someone could be so stupid, but being the teacher / preacher, I had to respond while holding back my laughter.
Thanks all for the comments. I’ve been at ACU Summit all day. Heard lots of good stuff!
While the flagpole may just be location for some, this morning I heard a DJ on the Christian radio suggesting that the flagpole was the appropriate place to be praying since our nation was founded as a “Christian nation.” The flagpole may just be a location for some, but I suspect for other believers it has become something more.
Grace and peace,
Rex