"A man may have a hundred children and live many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity and does not receive proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he. It comes without meaning, it departs in darkness, and in darkness its name is shrouded. Though it never saw the sun or knew anything, it has more rest than does that man--even if he lives a thousand years twice over but fails to enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place?” Eccl. 6:3-6
Solomon had well over 100 kids. He reflects over what it must be like living 2,000 years on earth. That thought does not appeal to him. He is discovering these latter days are not that much fun. Death ends it all and at the time of burial what difference does it make how nice the casket looks or the beauty of a floral display except in the memories of loved ones? Funerals are for the living, not for the dead. Death ends all relationships and all we have is left behind. In his despairing thoughts someone never born or dying as an infant means he does not experience the pain of this fallen world.
Solomon tells us that satisfaction is not always found in families. Family certainly is more satisfying than things. A man rich with family is blessed, if there is love. That too is a gift from God.
I try to warn Christian young people not to marry non-Christians, but many still look at immediate emotional desires instead of God’s Word. An innocent relationship soon turns into something deeper and more involved. Faith and obedience in Jesus is the spiritual glue that form bonds hearts.
Another misconception is thinking a spouse will make us fulfilled. “And they got married and lived happily ever after.” That is great for fairy tales, but all good marriages take a lot of work, patience, forgiveness, and learning to give, and give and give some more. No spouse can meet all your needs. Love is an emotional support but must be based on long range commitment even when days are not so happy. Trust is earned when one proves trustworthy during the hard times as well as the fun ones.
The only thing you can take to heaven with you is your children, if they know the Lord. There is a forever family that is also greater than our blood relatives. We find the rest of the story in the person of Jesus Christ. When one comes to faith in Jesus Christ, life takes on a different purpose. One is being part of a new family.
Application: There is a love that is beyond even family love, but outside of Jesus Christ we can say, it is better never to have been born at all than never to have been born again! Christ brings meaning to our relationships now and forever. Joy comes when He is at our center of families and prosperity.
Prayer: Lord, I pray for the family in our world today. Lord, we need You in all these families. l
