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Since creation, with the fall of man, mankind has been constantly searching for answers to the meaning and purpose of life in this world. God told Adam at the Fall, “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all days of your life” (Genesis 3:17b). In the 1960s, the Rolling Stones described in their pop song: “I can get no satisfaction” which aptly reflects the sad state mankind is in today. This “rolling-stone-gather-no-moss” way of life is still very much prevalent today. Despite today’s technological advances giving great human comfort, people are still meaningfully unsatisfied.
Almost 3000 years ago, a wise man who possessed intellectual power, wealth and great influence recorded his life experience in the Bible book of Ecclesiastes. To him, “life under the sun” was simply meaningless (soap bubbles). “Life under the sun” is used about 30 times in Ecclesiastes to symbolise life without God. This wise man was probably King Solomon – “The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem” (Eccl. 1:1) – who came to this “meaningless” conclusion. This is indeed surprising as King Solomon achieved in his life what no other human being achieved. Among the arguments he presented was the very compelling one that since death is the great equaliser (Death the Leveller), it doesn’t matter whether one is good or bad – all die. All the labour and toil to achieve greatness and wealth is “meaningless”. It also explores the futility of man in trying to control his own destiny. Whatever he pursues is futile. This includes, among other things, — his search for wisdom, pleasure and wealth. Man, in desperation is driven to ask the important question: “Is that all to this life?” that finally led to his pleading for a Saviour “out of this world” to add meaning to the short tenure of his existence. King Solomon offered in his conclusion this advice – “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments. For this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
This theme of acknowledging, accepting and fearing God runs deep throughout Ecclesiastes. It is appropriate to look closely at what King Solomon is saying to find a meaningful answer to the question “Is life worth living”? We fear God and seek the grace of God through Jesus because we know that our labour in Jesus is never in vain. Jesus’ death and resurrection is our hope for living.
