November 16, 2008 - Searching For Meaning In Life

Meditation on Ecclesiastes 1

This book was written by King Solomon who called us together to examine the meaning of life. He stated the theme from the beginning: "Vanity of vanities," says the preacher; "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity." (NKJV)

Solomon summarized his searching from a scientific perspective, (v. 4-7), and found that nothing had changed; from a social perspective, (v.8-11), and found that there was nothing new under the sun; from a wisdom and philosophy standpoint, and found that there was no solution. (v. 12-18)

From his experience, he could not find satisfaction in life. Everything is zero like a bubble. You work hard, but you finally realize that life is empty!

My recent reunion with my high school classmates impressed me with one thing: Many of them are preoccupied with the passing of friends who are dead.

What is the solution? One Christian Chinese scholar says, "Only faith can change grave to grace".