Under The Sun, Above The Sun Series

This is the end result of a life that pursues happiness as an end in itself, without realizing that happiness is only ever a by-product of pursuing the one source of true happiness.

So what is that one source? This circles us back to the two big phrases in Ecclesiastes—Hevel—vapor, breath, meaninglessness, futility,

And “under the sun.” Remember, “under the sun” is used 27 times in Ecclesiastes. And “under the sun”means life lived apart from God. Life from an earthbound perspective.

When you take god out of the equation and start living your life as though this life is all there is, then it really is meaningless. If God isn’t factored in, then everything is pointless. And every meaning you try to assign to life is just going to be hevel.

So what’s the answer? The answer is to get God back into the equation. God didn’t create the world to be cyclical, the way Solomon saw it. He created it to be linear—which means that history is leading to something. And so instead of looking “under the sun” for answers, we need to get “above the sun” to see God’s perspective.

Taken by itself, Ecclesiastes only offers hints of that “above the sun” perspective. But it is there. Quickly, let’s look at where it shows up.

Above the Sun Answers

Life is good (Ecc. 3:12-13) The life we have on earth really is beautiful. Whether you believe in God or not, God has created a world with goodness and beauty and pleasure. And these are all good things. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 says,

12 I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; 13 also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.

I was at a Christian concert years ago, and the band was just rocking. People were dancing and jumping and there was a mosh pit in front of the stage, and we were having a ball. And between songs, the singer said, “Guys, if you are here and you are a follower of Jesus, then don’t worry about how hard a week you have had. No matter how tough things have been going, realize that this world is the closest thing to hell you will ever experience. But if you are here and you are not a follower of Jesus, then what you are experiencing tonight is the closest thing to heaven we will experience on this earth. And God wants you to experience it for all eternity.

Life is good, and the beauty all around us is designed to draw us into a relationship with the designer.

God is sovereign (Ecc. 12:13). God is in control. You see Ecclesiastes 12:13 printed at the end of your listening guide. Underline verse 13: The end of the matter is this: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

If you grew up Presbyterian, or are coming from a more Reformed branch of Christianity, you are probably familiar with the Westminster catechism. The first question the Shorter catechism asks is “What is the chief end of man?”

Here is the answer: The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.

God’s Word is authoritative (v. 11)—given by one shepherd. His words are goads that correct you, and nails that can hold your life together.