Purpose
The end of the matter; all has been
heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret
thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 ESV
When
we think of this book we likely first hear its dreary reframe, “Vanity, vanity,
all is vanity.” Solomon had the ability to pursue the various courses of men,
and blessed with wisdom from god to evaluate them. At the end, the very end his
last word is that God’s way is the best way. We should know this from Genesis
3. We should know this from a simple understanding of God.
Taken
wrongly this idea might cause us to throw-up our hands in resignation, declare
everything futile, and cease in all appearance of responsibility or purpose.
This would be folly. God has provided us a way of salvation, He has done the
great work, and none other could have done it. However, He has given us some
things to do. As the verse we have our duty to fear God and keep His commandments.
This is a very broad responsibility. Indeed it encompasses most of human
activity. For the simple formulation is about attitude and motivation more than
it is about precise vocation; it is the first vocation, the prime vocation, the
greater vocation which gives us direction in our precise vocation whether that
precise calling is to be a scientist, or an artist, or a minister, or a
fireman, or a baker, or a candlestick maker, or a farmer.
It
is in short the answer to man quest for purpose and meaning. The Westminster Catechism
puts it this way, “What is the chief end of man? To glorify God and enjoy Him
forever.” Apart from this all is vanity, and a chasing after the wind.
Prayer
Lord you have not made us without a
purpose. You have not left us to find some meaning in our own lives. You give
us direction guiding us towards the good and right path. You fulfill our in
most needs and you alone satisfy our deepest desires. You give us life, and if
we will follow Your way, heed the truth, You give us life more abundant and
free in Christ Jesus. You have dealt with us graciously, and mercifully, and lovingly.
Thank You. Let us not wonder astray, but let us stay our hearts on You less we
should waste our lives and be found wanting in the judgment. Your will be done
to Your glory. Amen.
Song
As long as you are glorified by Sovereign Grace
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