On a Human Level, it is Futile

Last time, we began a short series of blogs on a book that is too frequently (and tragically) overlooked in 21^st Century North America.  We continue that line of thinking here. The implicit theological truth that underscores this very negative view of life is that this planet and all life on it, human and otherwise, is not as God originally designed.  It is fallen, warped, twisted, shattered, broken, darkened, embattled.  On a human level, it is futile. 

The New Testament text Ecclesiastes most clearly points to is Romans 8:18-20.  Paul writes, “¹⁸ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. ¹⁹ For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope.”  Many wonder if Paul wasn’t thinking about Ecclesiastes when he wrote this because the word he uses that is translated “futility” is the same word as the Greek translation of the word “vanity” in Ecclesiastes.  The author of Ecclesiastes says that life is vain, ephemeral, a mist and Paul explains that it is that way because in the fall, it was subjected to vanity.  How helpful it is to us who live in this world, to spend time thinking about the fall.  The better grasp we have on the fall and the avalanche of disastrous consequences, the better appreciation we will have for the cross—God’s answer to the fall that has saved this world, is saving this world and one day will  finally and completely save this world as the power of the redeeming blood of Jesus is manifest in completely remaking this world, redeeming every dark vestige of the fall.  What a place this will be—what a people we will be—what a great Savior we have(!) to do this and in so doing--allow us to see his glory.