Title: Creation Anew: An Easter Message
Author: Patrick Edwards
Text: Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
Introduction
I said to myself, "Go ahead, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy what is good." But it turned out to be futile. I said about laughter, "It is madness," and about pleasure, "What does this accomplish?" I explored with my mind the pull of wine on my body-my mind still guiding me with wisdom-and how to grasp folly, until I could see what is good for people to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.
I increased my achievements. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. I made gardens and parks for myself and planted every kind of fruit tree in them. I constructed reservoirs for myself from which to irrigate a grove of flourishing trees. I acquired male and female servants and had slaves who were born in my house. I also owned livestock-large herds and flocks-more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. I also amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I gathered male and female singers for myself, and many concubines, the delights of men. So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem; my wisdom also remained with me. All that my eyes desired, I did not deny them. I did not refuse myself any pleasure, for I took pleasure in all my struggles. This was my reward for all my struggles. When I considered all that I had accomplished and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind. There was nothing to be gained under the sun. ECCLESIASTES 2:1-11
I think the Teacher of the book of Ecclesiastes would fit in well in America today. I mean, can you imagine this guy's Amazon account? But that's the strategy to life, right? The stuff will bring us happiness, contentment. At least maybe the stuff will numb us. I don't know many people in 2024 today who feel optimistic and hopeful. I know every generation has thought they were living in the end times ...
Author: Patrick Edwards
Text: Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
Introduction
I said to myself, "Go ahead, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy what is good." But it turned out to be futile. I said about laughter, "It is madness," and about pleasure, "What does this accomplish?" I explored with my mind the pull of wine on my body-my mind still guiding me with wisdom-and how to grasp folly, until I could see what is good for people to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.
I increased my achievements. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. I made gardens and parks for myself and planted every kind of fruit tree in them. I constructed reservoirs for myself from which to irrigate a grove of flourishing trees. I acquired male and female servants and had slaves who were born in my house. I also owned livestock-large herds and flocks-more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. I also amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I gathered male and female singers for myself, and many concubines, the delights of men. So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem; my wisdom also remained with me. All that my eyes desired, I did not deny them. I did not refuse myself any pleasure, for I took pleasure in all my struggles. This was my reward for all my struggles. When I considered all that I had accomplished and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind. There was nothing to be gained under the sun. ECCLESIASTES 2:1-11
I think the Teacher of the book of Ecclesiastes would fit in well in America today. I mean, can you imagine this guy's Amazon account? But that's the strategy to life, right? The stuff will bring us happiness, contentment. At least maybe the stuff will numb us. I don't know many people in 2024 today who feel optimistic and hopeful. I know every generation has thought they were living in the end times ...
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