The World, not Satisfactory.
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"Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless!" Ecclesiastes 1:2
"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man!" Ecclesiastes 12:13
Solomon tried many experiments to find happiness—but adopted only the last: the Fear of God. O my soul! you may tire yourself with different objects—but none can satisfy you but God—He alone is the efficient and sufficient fullness! It was said of manna, that it was the delight of every palate—just so, Jesus Christ affords satisfaction to every soul. Taste therefore and see how sweet the Lord is!
Why do we wander after such a variety of objects? Because we cannot find sufficiency in one. Were one flower as pleasant as the collection, we would never trouble ourselves to gather many. Those golden rays of goodness which lie scattered imperfectly in the creature—are to be found combined in God alone. These poor earthly ingredients, cannot make up the highest excellency, the greatest goodness, and the fullest perfection—which are to be found collectively in God alone. Is there anything profitable, or desirable in the world? You may see it in your Saviour, Christ!
Are you a captive of the devil? Christ is your Redeemer.
Are you wounded? Christ is your good Samaritan.
Are you broken-hearted? Go unto Christ, and He will bind it up.
Are you sick? Christ is your physician.
Are you persecuted? Christ is your refuge.
Are you hungry or thirsty? Christ is the living bread and the flowing stream.
Are you weary? Christ is your rest.
Are you in poverty? Christ is an inexhaustible treasury.
Are you in disgrace? Christ is your honour.
Are you dull and heavy? Christ is a quickening spirit.
Do you lack grace? Christ is the fountain.
Do you desire heaven? Christ is the way—He shall guide you by his counsel, and afterwards receive you to glory.
Let that man's name be written in the dust—who forsakes the flowing fountain, to quench his thirst at a broken cistern. Why should I tire myself to gather drops of honey from so many dying flowers—when I can satisfy myself with streams of sweetness in the living Christ!
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