FIGURING OUT THE PUZZLE OF LIFE
This year will be remembered most for the pandemic- being restricted in many ways and forced to quarantine. The 21st century has been like a jet ride, with life becoming connected in unimaginable ways and hence hurtling along at a pace that is incredible. When the pandemic started, as optimists and in keeping with that pace, everyone including I hoped and prayed for a quick end to the pandemic. A year later, we find how wrong we were as the pandemic is still very much alive. For many who lost loved ones and saw their businesses crumble, it has been heartbreaking. Through this sustained pandemic, God has forced all of mankind to slow down its pace and reconsider what life is all about. Solomon went through this process of analyzing life like a scientist and records his findings in Ecclesiastes. These were some of his findings-
The uncertainty of life
A number of statements in Ecclesiastes capture the uncertainty of life. ‘The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong…….but time and chance happen to them all. Moreover, no man knows when his hour will come.’ (Eccles. 9:11,12) ‘Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed.’ (11:6)
Much like the pandemic, the recent elections and with day-to-day life in general, Christians do find themselves staring at the unpredictability of life. Now the fact that life at best is uncertain and unpredictable is not in any way a reassurance for man who finds himself in this world, taking decisions and hoping for the best.
The meaninglessness of life
While the future is uncertain, the present is meaningless. Solomon argues that pursuit of knowledge pleasures and toil, three central aspects of life that occupy man’s present efforts are essentially meaningless. Solomon observes, ‘For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more the knowledge, the more grief.’ (1:18) Solomon likewise describes his pursuit of pleasure and tireless toil after many projects and finally finds them meaningless in essence and a ‘chasing after the wind.’ (2:11) In today’s world, there is no dearth of knowledge or opportunities to immerse oneself in pleasure or toiling to succeed. From the outside these appear attractive but to those neck deep in these, the emptiness is evident.
The injustice of life
Even more disturbing for Solomon was the injustice of life. He says, ‘I have seen both of these: a righteous man perishing in his own righteousness, and a wicked man living long in his wickedness.’ (7:15) Do not expect your good deeds to be rewarded. The example of a poor wise man that saved a city, but was soon thereafter forgotten is described (9:14-16). Injustice is real and it is disconcerting for man on one hand to find a conscience that encourages him to do good, and yet the good deeds he produces do not necessarily get recognized or rewarded.
The only reasonable conclusion
While Solomon despairs at the inconsistencies of life, he does come to a final conclusion that for one who makes God the central point of his life, life can make sense. ‘Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring very deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.’(12:13,14)
While the events of life can uncertainly be unpredictable, God’s nature isn’t. The chasing after many things that causes meaninglessness is a reflection of man’s eternal desire that is fulfilled when man finds God and makes him the object of his pursuit. The eternal nature of God and man’s soul does give an avenue for justice to be administered, because what we see here on earth is not the entire story.
There is no better time to turn to God than now, because as the days go by and man ages, his desires are set and changing one’s patterns becomes elusive (12:1-5). It is in turning to God and figuring out the puzzle of life that one finds abundance. Have a blessed holiday and a prosperous healthy new year!
