A Great than Solomon -- compiled by Brian Zahnd

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.

 

Comments

[Florian Berndt]

Hmmm, really makes one think, doesn't it? When it is all done and said, only the Son knows the Father...