WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE?

Just a few short years ago, I would never have put Ecclesiates as one of my favorite books of the Bible. In fact, I would have put it at the other end. I thought it a pessimistic book, but after a great study in our Adult Bible Fellowship (well, it's still Sunday School to me), I've had a change of heart.

Certainly the book looks at things differently than the rest of the Bible, but that's the beauty of the book: the stark realism. If there were no God, if there were no loving Lord who desires a love realtionship with us, then "life under the sun" would be all vanity, all meaningless, all absurd.

But with God there is enjoyment of the things God as provider has given. God created man, God created the universe, God created things for man to enjoy. Knowing these things is essential, because it's not in our accumulation, but in God's provisions. (Ecc 3:12)

God's provisions as gifts to us. Open them, enjoy them, and don't bother saving the wrapping paper. Go for the gusto. Love life passionately, but know that the only lasting fulfillment comes from knowing, loving, obeying and following God. That's why we were created, and that's why God chose us to be heirs to His kingdom and reside in Heaven for eternity. Enjoy today, but keep your focus on tomorrow.

Or as Solomon so aptly summarizes in Ecclesiates 12:3 "Fear God and keep His commandements.