Tues.’s Devo - The Meaning of Life

Read: Ecclesiastes 1:1-3:22, 2 Co. 6:1-13, Pr. 46:1-11, Pr. 22:15 “Ecclesiastes” comes from a Greek word that means “one who addresses an assembly”. It is believed to be written by Solomon in his old age. Solomon seems to be evaluating life and what he perceives to be wisdom through observation and experience. The main theme of Ecclesiastes is found in Chapter one, verse three: “What profit has a man from all his labor in which he toils under the sun?” The secondary theme is to enjoy life and God’s blessings keeping in remembrance that one day God will judge how you did this. Solomon was one of the richest men in history and all his material blessings could not satisfy his soul. He reduced it all to vanity. Notice how often the word “time” is used in Chapter three. We are limited and bound by that one word in this life…but not in the next. How we live here in this small limited time effects how we will spend eternity so it is not all vanity. It is vitally important to us and to God how we live here and now. Our reading in 2 Co. says that now is the accepted time and now is the day of salvation. Paul saw life much differently than Solomon. Paul had not give himself over to pleasure, but to sacrifice. He had found a reason for his life. He ends his list with “as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” He learned the secret of the treasure in Jesus which far surpasses any earthly wealth. Jesus said that He came to give us an abundant life. God delights to bless us. Third John, verse two says, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers. There is nothing evil about being rich - as Christians, we should be ruling and reigning in this world. We should be the leaders in all walks of life because we have the mind of Christ. If our hearts are right, riches won’t destroy us, but help us further the kingdom of God. Lord, show us our destiny on this earth and help us be faithful to achieve it.