14th March 2024

14th March 2024


Pray (ACts)


Read (Ecclesiastes 7v25-29)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


Solomon knew that many of life’s big questions would go unanswered, but he was still filled with a desire to know, search and seek out wisdom and the scheme of things (v25). Furthermore, the King wanted to understand both the wickedness of folly and the foolishness that is madness (v25b). Was his quest futile? By no means. The Preacher wasn’t able to come up with all the answers but he did discover rich truth.


Firstly, Solomon understood that there were many traps and snares spread throughout life. He described a woman whose heart was like snares and nets and whose hands were fetters (v26). This wasn’t a real woman but a description of the many pitfalls that one can fall into as we make life’s journey. In Revelation, John would describe this world as the harlot Babylon filled with blasphemy and temptation (Revelation 17). In other words, Solomon realised that the Christian must be as wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove (Matthew 10v16) as they navigate this world. This world cannot last but its temptations are abundant and the sinner is taken in by them (v26b). The wise follower of Christ is aware of this reality and will seek to endure just as they will be preserved by the grace of God (v26).


Secondly, although Solomon looked for answers hoping to understand “the scheme of things”, he was forced to conclude that he still hadn’t found what he was looking for (v28a). Similarly, we are like little children in Granda’s car constantly asking “why?” Sometimes, we need to be content with unanswered questions. It isn’t that the Lord doesn’t care, it’s just that we humans tend to want to be God. We like every box ticked but the answers of the universe do not belong to us.


Thirdly, as Solomon continued on his path of knowing, searching and seeking, he came to the conclusion that the number of those who fear God is small indeed. Out of one thousand men he found only one who was upright and he didn’t find a single upright woman. Wow. What a statement. Did Solomon believe women were evil and couldn’t be saved? By no means but perhaps in this verse we see a little bit of regret from the King whose heart was turned away from God by his seven hundred wives who taught Solomon to love other “gods”. As Solomon considered humanity he saw very few who followed the Lord. Indeed, years later Jesus would agree with this very point saying “For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7v13-14)


Finally, Solomon’s thirst for knowledge led hm to the conclusion that none of the world’s failings could be blamed on the Lord. God made humanity upright but those made in God’s image preferred the lie rather than the truth. People have been seeking wicked schemes since the very beginning (v29) and although we sometimes prefer to blame the Lord, G.K. Chesterton was right when he answered the question “What is wrong with the world today?” with the pithy response “I am” 


Solomon’s quest for truth was not fruitless and his discoveries are still of great benefit to the child of God. Brothers and sisters, in summary, this world will seek to chew you up and spit you out - resist it. Your questions will not always be answered but you can always be sure that the Christian is in the minority. None of this is surprising. The world is not neutral and humanity continues to rebel against the Lord’s righteous rule.


We can be sure of Solomon’s discoveries just as we can be sure that Christ has overcome the world. By faith in Him, we’ll overcome too.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q93 Which are the Sacraments of the New Testament? The Sacraments of the New Testament are Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper.
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