A Greater Than Solomon - Matthew 12:42
Ecclesiastes is a divine revelation of the vanity, futility, emptiness and absurdity of life apart from a relationship with the living God. Ecclesiastes it is the natural, earthly wisdom of the sages and the philosophers—(Solomon, Socrates, Siddhartha and Schopenhauer)—it is not the greater wisdom of the Son of God.
Question # 1: Is life meaningless or is there a purpose?
Solomon (Ecclesiastes 1:2)
Vanity of vanities, all is vanity
Everything is meaningless, says the Teacher
Jesus (John 18:37)
You say that I am a king and you are right.
I was born for this purpose.
I came to bring truth into the world.
Everyone who loves truth hears my voice.
Question # 2: Is there anything new under the sun?
Solomon (Ecclesiastes 1:9, 10)
That which has been is what will be
That which is done is what will be done
There is nothing new under the sun
Is there anything of which it may be said
Look, this is new!
Jesus (Luke 22:20)
This cup is the new covenant in my blood
Which is shed for you.
Question # 3: Must life be a heavy burden?
Solomon (Ecclesiastes 2:17, 22, 23)
I hate life
Because everything done under the sun is distressing
Everything is meaningless, like chasing the wind
What do people get for all their hard work under the sun?
Their days are filled with pain and grief
Even at night they cannot rest
It is all utterly meaningless.
Jesus (Matthew 11:28, 30)
Come to me all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens
And I will give you rest
My yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Question # 4: Is death the only way out of oppression?
Solomon (Ecclesiastes 4:1–3)
I observed all the oppression
That is done in our world
I saw the tears of the oppressed
With no one to comfort them
The oppressors have great power
And the victims are helpless
And I declared that the dead
Who had already died
Are happier than the living
Who are still alive
And better than both
Are those who were never born
Who have not seen all the evil
That is done under the sun
Jesus (Luke 4:18)
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me
Because He has anointed me
To preach good news to the poor
He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind
To set at liberty those who are oppressed
Question # 5: Is death the end?
Solomon (Ecclesiastes 9:5–10)
The living know that they will die
But the dead know nothing
And they have no more reward
Even the memory of them is forgotten
Whatever they did in their lifetime—
Their loves, their hates, their dreams
Are long gone
Nevermore will they have a share
In anything done under the sun
So go ahead
Eat your food and drink your wine
With a happy heart
Wear fine clothes with a dash of cologne
Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love
All the days of your meaningless life
Whatever you do, do well
For there's neither work to do
Nor thoughts to think
In the grave where you are going
Jesus (John 11:25, 26)
I am the resurrection and the life
He who believes in me will live, even though he dies
And whoever lives and believe in me will never die
Do you believe this?
Question # 6: Are darkness and vanity the essence of life?
Solomon
(Ecclesiastes 11:7–8 )
Light is sweet
And it's wonderful to see the sun
But remember
The days of darkness will be many
Everything to come is meaningless
Jesus (John 12:46)
I have come as a light to shine in this dark world
Whoever believes in me will not remain in darkness.
Hmmm, really makes one think, doesn’t it? When it is all done and said, only the Son knows the Father…