The Pattern of Man

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:1-7

The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. "Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher, "Vanity of vanities! All is vanity." What advantage does man have in all his work Which he does under the sun? A generation goes and a generation comes, But the earth remains forever. Also, the sun rises and the sun sets; And hastening to its place it rises there again. Blowing toward the south, Then turning toward the north, The wind continues swirling along; And on its circular courses the wind returns. All the rivers flow into the sea, Yet the sea is not full. To the place where the rivers flow, There they flow again.

Insights:   Some of you at FBCBG have probably run to your computers this morning to read blog postings from Sunday morning’s sermon from the book of Song of Solomon.  I believe I have embarrassed myself enough and chosen to write this week’s blog from the Sunday evening service.  So, in today’s verses we see the first conclusion of a desperate man is about the pattern of humanity.  Everything is cyclical in nature.  The sun rises and the sun sets.  The river runs to the ocean and the snows melt and new water runs down the river into the oceans, etc.  The pattern of the rivers running does not change.  The reality is the same thing is true of humanity.  This cyclical pattern can lead to a feeling of desperation.  Beloved, let me give a brief teaser for later this week.  You need to understand the only hope you have to break the cyclical pattern of life is Jesus.  If you have gotten yourself involved in destructive patterns, your only hope is Jesus.  If you continue to do the same things and expect different results, then you have lost your mind and tomorrow’s blog is going to speak to your condition.  Let me encourage you to strive to run to Jesus and let Him be your hope and peace in the midst of a cyclical world of human depravity.

Questions:

1. Do you feel like your life is cyclical in nature?
2. Has this cyclical pattern caused you to feel desperate at times?

Prayer: Father, help me to understand You are the only one that can help me break the cycle of life which leads to desperation and frustration.  Forgive me for the bad habits I have allowed to creep into my life which take me away from You and the glory which is rightfully Yours.  Amen.