DECEMBER 5, 2023
Consider the work of God: who can make straight what he has made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him. (Ecclesiastes 7:13–14, ESV)
Son of David
King Solomon, son of David, pursued life to the greatest extent possible. Through God’s appearance to Solomon in a dream, Solomon was granted “a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have!” (1 Kings 3:12, nlt). In addition to this, God granted Solomon great wealth, extreme pleasure, widespread fame, significant productivity, and a long life.
In spite of, and also as a result of, all he experienced and possessed, Solomon exclaimed in the opening of the Book of Ecclesiastes that “Everything is meaningless…completely meaningless!” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). He expanded on this thought in a central thematic statement:
Consider the work of God: who can make straight what he has made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him. (7:13–14)
Solomon recognized that he was not, and never would be, God. Solomon could not make his path straight and, therefore, could not ever see around the next turn.
How often, in our own efforts, do we make the same attempt Solomon did? We so often turn our hearts toward pursuing knowledge, money, ease, notoriety, accomplishment, and longevity.
The Son of God (also named Son of David!) entered into His world as fully human and also fully God. Jesus possesses infinite wisdom and understanding. He has resources beyond measure. Jesus is perfectly satisfied as the second person of the Godhead. He has no beginning and no end. He created everything that has been made. Jesus is worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. So let’s turn our hearts toward pursuing Him.
This Christmas, celebrate Jesus as the only One who can be fully trusted as we approach every turn in our lives.
Dr. Erik Salwen
Associate Professor of Counseling Ministries