Day #3: Is Life Futile?

 So, when Solomon repeats, "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity" what does he mean?

 What benefit do people get from all the effort which they expend on earth? A generation comes and a generation goes, but the earth remains the same through the ages. The sun rises and the sun sets; it hurries away to a place from which it rises again. The wind goes to the south and circles around to the north; round and round the wind goes and on its rounds it returns. All the streams flow into the sea, but the sea is not full, and to the place where the streams flow, there they will flow again. (Ecclesiastes 1:3-7)

 

He uses the example of nature to show that whatever effort people exert, nothing changes.  He concludes that nothing is ever truly new. Future generations will not remember what we have done.  This cuts deep.  Each of us, I believe, want to know that there was some lasting reason for our time on earth.  We want to know that we made a difference- that the world was a better place because we were here.

 

But Solomon says there is no lasting change from our lives.  This statement is incredible when we consider the vast wealth and influence of his kingly reign.  He presided over Israel in their golden era. Solomon's power, wealth, and wisdom are enumerated in 1 Kings 4:20-34.  If Solomon sees no lasting influence from his life, it's hard to imagine that his reader would.

 

In 1849, French writer Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr wrote “plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose “ – the more things change, the more they stay the same…Turbulent changes do not affect reality on a deeper level other than to cement the status quo. This may be because human nature does not change.

 

But, of course, we live in a day of rapid change.  Older people constantly recount the differences they see from their grandparent's generation to the present.  Even our parents could not have imagined the power of a smart phone or the Internet.  Yes, we have seen information and medical advancement.  But how significant are these changes to our existential realities?  According to Solomon, the fundaments never change- sunrise and sunset, the wind and the weather, and the streams which flow to the sea. He has a good point.  Maybe we are a bit enamored by our technological advancements- more than we ought to be.

 

The Christian who recalls the promises of Christ might react to the idea that our efforts cause no real change.  We would recall Jesus' encouragement to the disciples:

 

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that remains, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. (Jn 15:16)

 

Here we see the promise of lasting fruit to those who are experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit.  As the Spirit of God works through us, we see lasting changes- both individual and cultural.  Obviously, Solomon had little knowledge of this. We often encounter this when we read The Old Testament. Solomon's understanding of the Spirit's power was limited.  For the most part, he was dealing with man living by his own power.  And in that regard, he was right- that man should not expect any lasting impact from his efforts.  We should remember this.  Whatever we do in our own strength eventually results in nothing.

 

“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me—and I in him—bears much fruit, because apart from me you can accomplish nothing. (John 15:5)

 

The person that fails to draw on the spiritual resources that God provides certainly would experience much frustration and futility (Romans 7).  And it would be nearly impossible to contribute anything significant to society. What Solomon observes is a reality.

 

Solomon didn't fully understand the spiritual power available or the sure hope of eternal life. Certainly, there is futility in this life, but there is also hope (Romans 7 & 8).  There is more to life than what we can see with our senses.  In John 14:1-4 Jesus promised his disciples an eternal home with Him in heaven.  There is hope, and that hope gives meaning and purpose to our lives.

 

“Do not let your hearts be distressed. You believe in God; believe also in me. There are many dwelling places in my Father’s house. Otherwise, I would have told you, because I am going away to make ready a place for you. And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that where I am you may be too. And you know the way where I am going.”

 

Questions to consider:

1.       Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr has said, “The more things change, the more they remain the same.” What is your opinion on this?

2.       How does assurance of salvation change your perspective of everyday frustrations?

3.       What do you suppose Jesus meant by “lasting fruit”?


Read on to Day #4

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