Introduction
Do you ever wonder what the meaning of life is? Why are you here? What is your purpose? What is your destiny?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone. Many people ask these questions at some point in their lives. They seek answers in different places and things, such as money, fame, power, pleasure, philosophy, religion, or science. None of these can satisfy the deepest longing of the human soul. King Solomon, who is regarded as the wisest man, and in his time was also the richest, said after he examined life that it is all vanity and vexation of spirit. When you read Ecclesiastes 1 you should ask what caused King Soloman to sound so despondent.
King Solomon’s Reflection on Life
Ecclesiastes 1, “The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun? One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth forever. The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose. The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits. All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again. All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be, and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there anything whereof it may be said, See, this is new. it hath been already of old time, which was before us. There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after. I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem. And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.
I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered. I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I have come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.”
The Contextual Meaning of Vanity and Vexation of Spirit
To begin, let’s understand the biblical meaning of ‘vanity’ and ‘vexation of spirit.’ These terms, often found intertwined in the pages of the Bible, offer a profound insight into our human experience. In a biblical context, ‘vanity’ describes the fleeting and empty nature of worldly pursuits. It’s about chasing after the wind, the meaningless cycle of striving for things that don’t ultimately satisfy. On the other hand, ‘vexation of spirit’ is a term used to express the dissatisfaction and frustration that can arise from these futile pursuits. It’s the internal turmoil, the gnawing sense of discontent that comes when we realize the things we chased after, don’t provide the fulfillment we hoped for. Understanding these concepts allows us to see our lives through a different lens, one that illuminates the limitations of earthly desires.
After reading the first eleven and half chapters of Ecclesiastes we would all feel that living is pointless. Except at the end of chapter 12, Soloman said, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”
Life in Jesus Christ
The good news is, there is an answer to these questions. There is a source of meaning and fulfillment that can satisfy our souls. There is a person who can reveal our purpose and destiny. That person is Jesus.
Jesus is the Son of God, who created us and loves us (John 1:1-3; 3:16). He is the image of the invisible God, who shows us who God is and what He is like (Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3). He is the Word of God, who speaks to us and reveals His truth and wisdom (John 1:14; 8:31-32). He is the life of God, who gives us abundant and eternal life (John 10:10; 11:25).
How can we find the meaning of life in Jesus? How can we discover our purpose and destiny in Him? “Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have, therefore? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” This shows that when we commit our lives to follow the Lord Jesus He gives us purpose and meaning. Both in this life and the one to come.
So magnificent was the allure of following Christ that our brother Paul said in Philippians 3:7-9, “But what things were gain to me, those I counted as loss for Christ. Yeah doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and count them but dung, that I may win Christ” Paul felt that he would willingly give up everything he had attained in this life to know Christ. He also said, 1 Corinthians 15-19, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” This statement tells me that Jesus is who makes life worth living and gives us purpose. Jesus is who Solomon needed to know.
In the quest for meaning, Jesus stands out for offering profound answers to life’s deepest questions: For billions around the world, Jesus isn’t just a historical figure or a religious symbol; He is the embodiment of purpose, love, and redemption. Here are some steps that can help us find the meaning of life in Jesus and follow Him.
Embracing Love and Purpose
At the core of Jesus’ teachings is love — love for God, love for others, and love for oneself. He encapsulated the essence of existence in the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself.” In Jesus, we find a model of selfless love and compassion, demonstrating that life’s ultimate purpose lies in loving and serving others. Understanding that we are created in the image of God gives profound significance to our existence. Each person is imbued with inherent worth and purpose, designed to contribute positively to the world. Through Jesus, we find not only our identity but also our calling — a divine mission to spread love, kindness, and justice.
Finding Forgiveness and Redemption
One of the most compelling aspects of Jesus’ message is the promise of forgiveness and redemption. Regardless of our past mistakes or shortcomings, Jesus offers a path to reconciliation with God and with ourselves. His sacrificial death on the cross is seen as the ultimate expression of love, providing a way for humanity to be restored to a right relationship with God. In Jesus, we find liberation from guilt, shame, and the burden of sin. His grace is a transformative force that empowers us to break free from destructive patterns and live a life of purpose and fulfillment. By accepting Jesus’ forgiveness, we can experience true inner peace and wholeness.
Navigating Life’s Challenges with Faith
Life is replete with challenges, uncertainties, and trials. Yet, in Jesus, we find a source of strength and hope that transcends our circumstances. His promise to be with us always, even to the end of the age, offers solace during life’s storms. Through faith in Jesus, we gain a new perspective on suffering and adversity. Rather than viewing them as obstacles to be avoided, we see them as opportunities for growth and spiritual refinement. Jesus’ own life exemplified resilience in the face of opposition, demonstrating that even in the darkest moments, God’s light shines through.
Building Meaningful Relationships
Central to Jesus’ message is the importance of community and fellowship. He emphasized the value of relationships built on love, trust, and mutual support. In the company of fellow believers, we find encouragement, accountability, and shared purpose. By following Jesus’ example of humility and servanthood, we cultivate authentic connections that enrich our lives and deepen our understanding of God’s love. In the community, we experience the joy of belonging and the fulfillment of our shared mission to spread the good news of Jesus’ love to the world.
Conclusion
In a world searching for meaning and purpose, Jesus Christ offers a timeless message of hope, love, and redemption. Through Him, we discover the ultimate meaning of life — a life marked by love, forgiveness, faith, and community. As we journey with Jesus, may we embrace His teachings and embody His love, becoming beacons of light in a world longing for meaning and significance.