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REFLECTION

Chasing the wind is the theme for our reflection. The wind is invisible, it can only be felt but cannot be contained or possessed as an individual’s property. Chasing the wind is an expression used to describe a situation of working hard to aquire knowledge, skill and wealth yet feel an insatiable void within. King Solomon came to the conclusion that nothing in this world brings complete satisfaction or fulfillment to us. Our lives on earth is an endless enterprise of chasing the wind. He observed, “I said in my heart, “I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.” And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind. For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow…So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:16-18, 2:9-11).

Dear friend, if we think that life is only about acquiring academic certificates, gaining lucrative employment, opening big businesses and creating wealth then we have missed the mark and are definitely chasing the wind because all these things bring us only earthly satisfaction but not eternal satisfaction. Death makes all knowledge, skill and wealth vanity and meaningless. Job turns our attention to the most important pursuit in life when he said “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”(Job 1:21). In others words, our relationship with God is what makes life worth living on earth because He is our creator and sustainer. We are to enjoy the fruits of our labour and skill but most importantly we must have an eternal relationship with God, for this reason, Paul concluded that “For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.” (Romans 14:8). In order not chase the wind, Jesus ultimately admonishes us to“…seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33). Shalom.

PRAYER

Dear Lord continually strengthen us to remain faithful in our relationship with You even as we chase the wind of ephemeral possessions on this earth.