Is That All There Is?

Ecclesiastes is a hard read. Yes, not only is the name just a little unique, but the basic tone of this Old Testament Bible book is a little morbid. Inside you will find lots of messages about the coming judgment and death and old weak knees. Not exactly what most of us reach for on a late Sunday night to help us relax before our horizontal time. But, after your first read through, which only takes about 30 minutes, you might just begin to get a inside view to some pretty deep downloads.

First suggestion, pray and ask for wisdom when you read these Old Testament books. Let's face it, riding a bike takes a few afternoons of practice to get it down.
No one starts off an expert at Guitar Hero or Rock Band. You got to do your time to get it down. Same with some of the books in the Bible. You need to spend some quality time and practice the skill of listening to God as you read. You might be surprised at the deep thoughts that will rise out of your brain to surprise you. Remember, you are made in His image and capable of truly Godlike thoughts.

Bottom Line, Ecclesiastes answers the question: Is That All There Is? You know the one that will occasionally occur to you in those moments when life gets very real. Those moments usually pass quickly like your curtain that blew open with the breeze only to settle quickly back in place to obstruct your view of the great sunny outdoors. They are bittersweet moments we all share in common that show us there really is more to look forward to someday, than we can experience in this reality.

It challenges us with the concept of acceptance. What if that is all there is for now? What if life is a series of days blending into one seamless road towards eternity. What if it really is about enjoying life with the ones you love and discovering each day that fact is simply enough. Sure, there are mountains to climb, cities to build, money to be made, lives to be built, but the joy is in the acceptance that all those things can be pleasing to God. Just accepting the road ahead, looking for the opportunity to walk in love, and keeping your hopes up, may just be the message after all.

So, as the writer of Ecclesiastes says, Enjoy your youth...but remember in that enjoyment, that eternity looms in the future as a welcome place to receive the reward of your labors and relationships. Live well, love well, and enjoy the skyline view from your heavenly real estate. Remember who makes all this possible.

John Lennon said
"Imagine there's no heaven,
It's easy if you try.
No hell below us.
Above us only sky."
With all respect, I'd rather not, John.

Heaven will be the place that we finally get a better view. We will see how all the dots connect and who drew the picture in the first place. And that day, will be just the beginning of discovering all the rest of what there is to come.