Whatever has come to be has already been named, and it is known what man is, and that he is not able to dispute with one stronger than he. 11 The more words, the more vanity, and what is the advantage to man? 12 For who knows what is good for man while he lives the few days of his vain life, which he passes like a shadow? For who can tell man what will be after him under the sun?
These are not inspirational verses for anyone who wants to leave their mark on the world with their creative talents. The gist is it’s all been done. Recent statistics state that 70% of music sold today is old music. The highest grossing movies are remakes or rehashes of old stories. At some point, there is no point in trying to come up with something new. The problem is that for many people, that is the source of their identity and purpose for living. Even those who get their big break are soon forgotten after their death. Booth Tarkington was the bestselling author of the early 20th century. Forgotten. He has passed like a shadow.
How many lost and forlorn people walk this earth in search of meaning, only to find, like the preacher, that there is none without God? There are many of them but the good news is that there is meaning for them. It is staring them in the face in the Bible. Jesus said,
“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10).
There is nothing new under the sun but new life can be found in the Son. Pray today that man’s search for meaning would lead them out of the shadows and…
Into the Light of Jesus.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church