Vanity of vanities

The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. Ecclesiastes 1:1,2 ESV

The book of Ecclesiastes was written by Solomon. The wisest man that ever lived. Solomon’s wisdom was a gift from God. “God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king,” 2 Chronicles 1:11 ESV Solomon asked God for wisdom and it was granted to him.
As we read Ecclesiastes we know the wisdom imparted is God given.

In verse two Solomon uses the word vanity several times in describing our pursuits in this life. The word vanity is defined both as pride and worthlessness. It is an interesting word that Solomon chooses to use as he looks at all that man goes after in this life. When we think about it how true that is, we do much out of pride which in the end turns out be worthless when compare it to things that God gives us freely.

If God and His will is not at the core of what we do and what we pursue, all of it is useless. Because, when this life is over if we have not pursued God and His ways we will be lost.

So today, let’s consider our motivation for what we pursue and how we pursue it. Not one of us wants to come to our final day and know we haven’t lived as we should, careful thought of how we live is paramount.

© 2013 Leo J. Woodman

Every eye will see Him

Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.

Revelation 1:7 ESV

In this verse John reassures his readers of the return of Christ. (see Acts 1:9-11) John is reaffirming the event that Luke recorded in Acts chapter one. Jesus is coming again just as promised. He is coming back to claim His own. In this part of the introduction of the revelation John is setting the stage for encouragement to those that will endure persecution.

John attests to the power of Jesus return. Jesus return will be an incredible event, everyone alive on that day will see Him. Everyone, of the world that has not submitted to His authority will wail in response to His victorious return because they will know all is lost.

John ends the verse with  Even so. Amen. Amen means; so be it. In other words may it happen soon. In the first century the church was anticipating the return of Christ as something that was imminent. They expected His return at any time and loved their lives accordingly. John in this verse is reminding them of that as they face persecution.

The Apostle Paul also encouraged believers in this way. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) The resurrection and return of Christ have been encouraging the faithful since Jesus ascended into Heaven.

So today, let’s be encouraged by this verse knowing that whatever we are going through we know it is only temporary.
© 2013 Leo J. Woodman