Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

The title of our next book is Ecclesiastes. Chapter 1 calls the writer the teacher or preacher. He begins by declaring that everything is useless. The world is nothing but repetitious. Anything we do today must be done again tomorrow.

Verse nine says that there is nothing new on this planet. If this is incorrect, then the Bible does contain errors. We know that is not possible. How can this statement be true? Remember Genesis six and the flood in the time of Noah. An objection to the validity of that story is the likelihood of the ancients being able to build a structure like the Ark. Thousands of years passed before the flood and people lived to be hundreds of years old. It would make sense that their technology would exceed even ours. Especially when we look at all the examples of monuments from the prehistoric world that are inexplicable with what we consider caveman knowledge.

We just finished reading Proverbs. This is the major book of wisdom written by King Solomon. He declares that even wisdom is vanity. A man who began his journey with such promise has now become discouraged and disillusioned. Remember that by this time he had wandered from Jehovah and built temples for his wives to other deities. When we walk away from the Lord we often lose confidence in anything.

When you are King, you have endless options for distractions as in Ecclesiastes 2. If we are depressed, we usually binge eat. You may clean, watch TV, read or something else. Solomon tried pleasure, work, and many other ideas. How do your distractions help you overcome a feeling of worthlessness?

I have discovered that studying God’s word works for me. Have you tried that? Does reading along with us give you a feeling of purpose? This may benefit me because I must read along with you.

Solomon refused himself nothing. This may be the problem. Most of us have goals that give us something to look forward to. My writing and sharing it with you gives me that hope. Look for something that you enjoy and challenges you. Most of all, ask God what His plan is for you. Then follow Him, unlike this King.

There is a time for everything as given in Ecclesiastes 3. Let’s look at some of these that you may not have noticed previously. A time to mourn and a time to dance. Many of us Baptists want that one removed. We prefer to mourn and do not think we should dance. Be like Solomon’s father, David, dance when Jehovah needs to be praised.

A time to search and a time to give up. When do you quit? It depends on what you are searching for. As a child, we stop looking for shoes or other things we need for school, if we don’t want to go. As adults we accept defeat, when we feel defeated and want to give up. Do not stop without talking to God first.

Hoarders need to listen to the time to keep and a time to throw away. I need to remember there is a time to be silent and a time to speak. Some of my quieter friends need to talk more often. I don’t have that problem.

“Everything is beautiful in its own time.” Now you know where Ray Stevens found that line. He just changed one word. You have eternity inside of you. Yahweh put it there. The King’s negative mood is the result of his rejection of the Lord. He does admit that if God does something, it will last. What we do on our own, will not. He also tells us that we are no better than animals. Once again, his personal feelings are expressed. We know differently from what Jehovah tells us.

The dead are better off than the living and in Ecclesiastes 4 the unborn have it best of all. Talk about being depressed. All achievement springs envy. Three strikes and he’s out.

Two are better than one starts out positive but turns negative when he says to pity those who are alone. He comes back positive again with “A cord of three strands is not easily broken.” This is often used regarding marriage. The third strand is Jehovah. 

Sacrifice was often viewed by the Hebrews as the correct form of worship. In Ecclesiastes 5 tells us that listening to what Yahweh must tell us is better than sacrifice. Promises to God should be taken seriously. Today we often make deals with Him in times of trouble. Be careful what you tell Him. He could take what you promise despite yourself.

Money is a definite problem for all of us. If we do not have enough, we worry. Good finances also cause us to be distressed. The wealthy usually are concerned with the possibility of losing their high estate. Our faith needs to be in Jehovah and not in our ability to earn a living.

We continue thoughts on prosperity in Ecclesiastes 6. The King believes that it is impossible to enjoy one’s wealth and challenging work. He declares it all useless. We can have peace whether we are poor or rich if we rely on the Lord. The vanity of the King is the result of disobedience. Guilt over this has caused his anguish. 

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger