Ecclesiastes 1:10 Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it has been already of old time, which was before us. Since Ecclesiastes meditated on the problems of human life, one really "new thing" has been seen. The "Sun of Righteousness" has risen upon the world "with healing in His wings." The Word of God took flesh, and dwelt among men. The Only-begotten Son has revealed the Eternal Father, and has "brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel." This new manifestation of God — this new and fuller revelation of His redeeming purpose for mankind — has entered as a modifying factor into human experience. The cardinal features of life remain as before; but they take on a new aspect when they are seen in the light of our Father's love, and of that glorious immortality for which He is seeking to train us. What may be as "vanity," when it is considered as an end, may be anything but "vain" when it is considered as a means. A scaffolding may be a poor affair; but what if a beautiful and substantial temple is being reared within it? A schoolroom, with its appropriate furniture, might not be a Satisfying home; nevertheless it may well fulfil the purposes of education and discipline. The perishable may minister to the everlasting. The unprofitable may lead to higher gains. The unsatisfying may awaken a craving for that which will truly fill the soul. From this point of view the essential sameness of life through the ages bears its testimony to the persistent purpose of God and the constant needs of humanity. Why should not the schoolroom remain the same, if it has been adapted by Infinite Wisdom for the training and discipline of immortal souls? Human life, viewed in itself, as a brief span of existence bounded by death, may be as "vanity": but human life viewed in the light of Christ and immortality, is an arena of education by probation — a sphere for the formation of spiritual and enduring character, and for the service of a living and loving Father. (T. C. Finlayson.) Parallel Verses KJV: Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us. |
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