Connecting Point: Nothing New Here

You’ve heard it, or perhaps have said it a thousand times yourself, “History repeats itself.” While we long for life to be full of new experiences, we often view everyday life as monotonous—you know, the same old stuff. Citizens of industrial countries give Mondays a bad rap; whereas, they look forward to the last day of the workweek, Friday. Meanwhile, those in undeveloped countries are more concerned about basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter. How do you view life?

King Solomon was never in want. In fact, he had everything a person could desire and more. Yet, after gaining the whole world and experiencing everything pleasurable, his tune changed near the end of his life. Many Bible scholars assign the voice of the Book of Ecclesiastes to Solomon; all is vanity and chasing the wind. “That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which it may be said, ‘See, this is new’? It has already been in ancient times before us. There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of things that are to come by those who will come after,” (Ecclesiastes 1:9-11).

Many would beg to differ with Solomon, stating there’s always something new. For example, from just a few years ago technological growth or improved health care procedures have advanced to unimaginable heights. We can travel across the globe in a day. Additionally, one can communicate with somebody miles away in a matter of seconds.

John W. Ritenbaugh helps us to understand the intention behind Solomon’s nothing new summation. “Solomon does not mean that there are no new technologies or inventions. By saying ‘there is nothing new under the sun,’ he is attempting to stimulate the reader to consider what might effectively improve the quality of his life. The bulk of mankind lives by the same basic patterns as Adam and Eve did after God kicked them out of the Garden. Solomon is searching for a hopeful way of life, one that will fill a person with joy and his mind with pure, godly inspiration and character.”

Life without God is meaningless. The notion that simply collecting possessions, procreating, or merely breathing and exhaling somehow answers the question of purpose is short-sighted. There is more to this life.

What’s at stake? Life after death. The Bible lays the foundation that life extends beyond our years here on earth, eternal life. Jesus said, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them,” (John 3:36). The good news is that any person can be free of eternal separation from God through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul emphasizes our true purpose in 1 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!” Additionally, Paul speaks about the ministry of reconciliation that is charged to us. Christians are given the task to tell others about the eternal life that comes from Jesus. This gives life here on earth real meaning. Have you discovered your eternal purpose?