Vanity and Vexation

“Vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Ecclesiastes1:2 NASB).      

      For years the humanists have assured us that all we need to improve life upon the earth is greater education, higher income and the distribution of wealth, greater advancement in technology, and the end of war. If they are correct, we must surely be entering into a golden age. We are spending more on education than ever before and greater attention has been placed on the distribution of wealth through the taxation of the wealthy. Never in the history of the world have we seen such technological advances. The internet has brought us incredible advances in the spread of information. Our smartphones have technology at our fingertips that couldn’t have been imagined fifty years ago. It would seem that every day we hear of some amazing new invention. Modern medicine has greatly increased the length and quality of life. We live in larger homes and enjoy all of the pleasures money can buy. And we are enjoying a season of relative peace. We must be happier today than ever before, right? Wouldn’t this be the reasonable conclusion of the humanist?

      There is only one problem with such a conclusion. The facts show otherwise. Modern man is more unhappy than ever before. World Magazine recently published a statistic that must baffle the minds of those who believe happiness can be gained if we are placed in the right conditions. For the first time in the past 100 years the life-expectancy of young adults has decreased. This is despite better diet, better healthcare and greater sanitation. What is causing the increase in mortality rates? Suicide rates are at all-time highs and the rate of drug overdoses has increased 3.6 times over the rate in 1999. What can explain these symptoms of dissatisfaction and unhappiness?

      Hundreds of years ago Solomon described the futility of life without God. He observed, “I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind” (Ecc. 1:14). Apart from God all of life is empty. What most men call happiness is really nothing more than a lust for pleasure. True happiness is the blessedness of a life in Christ. Only in Christ can we find genuine contentment. Apart from Him there is only misery and discontent. Apart from Christ the quest for happiness only ends in futility. Is it any wonder that we find an increase in the suicide rate? For far too many conclude that despite every modern advancement life is not worth living. Many turn to drugs in order to mask the emptiness. Others wander aimlessly searching for some meaning in life.

       What is the solution? Is there any hope? Solomon gives the answer, “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is; fear God and keep His commandments” (Ecc. 12:13). The hope of the world is only in the Gospel of Christ, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Lord is My Shepherd

Psalm 23:1 NASB - "The LORD is my shepherd . . .”

             

One of the great metaphors of Scripture is God as the Shepherd of His sheep. This is carried into the New Testament where Jesus declares, “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). God’s people are sheep in need of a shepherd.

           

This is an amazing metaphor. Human beings are made in the image of God. We are the most intelligent of all of God’s earthly creatures. We have a wonderful capacity for creativity. We design and build whole cities and there seems to be no end to our resourcefulness. And then we think of sheep. Sheep are not intelligent, they are not resourceful; in fact, they are just plain dumb. They are prone to wander off and have to be under constant surveillance. They have no natural defenses, no fangs or claws, so if they are left to themselves, they are easy prey to other wild animals. They need a shepherd to guide them, protect them, and care for their needs. They are probably unaware of the watchful eye of their shepherd. They are content to feed in the security of the flock as the shepherd leads them to “green pastures” and “still waters.”

Why is it that God describes us as sheep? It crushes our pride and independence. It reminds us how dependent we are upon God’s provision, leadership, and protection. Jesus Christ is our Great Shepherd who continually leads, feeds, and defends us and will safely bring us home.

It also reminds us of the importance of the local church. We are a flock under the gracious protection of Christ who promises His unfailing presence among us. He has also blessed the church with pastors, Christ’s under-shepherds. Peter writes to pastors, “Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:1). This is humbling for human pastors. How can those who need shepherding possibility shepherd others? The answer is encouraging. Because Jesus Christ is our High Shepherd. Weak, human under-shepherds merely point men to Him. He has provided us with the food of His Word and filled us with His Spirit to lead and guide us.  Earthly pastors merely have to feed, lead, protect, and love Christ’s people.

Living in a Fallen World

Psalm 59:2 NASB - "Deliver me from those who do iniquity . . .” 

As Christians we walk a dangerous line of demarcation in this world. There are clear boundaries which we must never cross, and yet, the temptation is always before us. 
 

Christianity is not a call to a monastic life of strict separation from this world. We have an obligation to interact with the people of this world. The Great Commission commands us to make disciples of the nations. This demands living among and interacting with them so that we can bring the Gospel to them. It demands that we make friends of lost people, but always with great caution. There is always the danger of being enticed by their ways. The Psalmist pleads for God to deliver him from workers of iniquity. Psalm 1 declares: “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers.”

We must be cautious about the company we keep and how we interact with them. We must maintain the balance between Gospel engagement and Gospel holiness. We must always remain distinct, apart, and other than. We must never compromise the principles of righteousness. This is where we face the greatest danger. Standing apart can be most difficult, especially around those closest to us—lost family members, coworkers, and the many with whom we interact with on a daily basis. They do not have regard for the Law of God, and they will not understand our commitment to Christ. The tension is for us to take the path of least resistance, to make small concessions for the sake of peace and harmony. These small concessions quickly become full-blown sin. 

Sometimes, we face people in this world with whom fellowship is impossible. We must maintain strict separation to protect ourselves from becoming infected by them. Paul’s word to us is, “Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness. Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate, says the LORD. And do not touch what is unclean.” On one hand we must follow the lead of our Savior who was referred to as a friend of sinners. On the other hand, we must avoid friendships that will lead us into sin. It demands from us great discernment.