- Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. Ecclesiastes 1:2 – As we step into a new book I wanted a verse to help us understand where we were going and this one takes the cake. The writer has seen the pointlessness of pursuing things other than God in this world. He also has a deep sympathy for others and wants to help them not fall prey to the temptations he’s faced. Keep this in mind as we read through this book. Outside of God we won’t find what our heart is desiring after. It’s all vanity, all worthless pursuits. The writer, and I as well, long for you to hear the fulfillment of all you are looking for in this life only comes from a closeness with Jesus. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 835
- All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full; to the place where the streams flow, there they flow again. Ecclesiastes 1:7 – As we lean into this new book, understand this is coming from King Solomon, the wisest man to ever have lived and a king who was incredibly wealthy. He is speaking of his search for purpose and joy in all the things the world has. Here he speaks of the streams and the sea. This to refer back to us, we are the sea. When we allow the “streams” of the world to freely flow into our life we’ll notice they won’t fill us like we need. The stream of fame, money, a new relationship, and others will seem like it would fill us greatly, but in the end if that’s all we go for we’ll remain empty. The only thing that can pour into us and we find a true filling is Jesus. We can chase after so many things yet Jesus is the only one who can give us what we need. Be sure the stream that’s pouring into you can actually offer you what you truly need. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1657
- All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. Ecclesiastes 1:8 – To explain this imagine searching for the right home for your family to live in. You look at dozens of houses but you aren’t satisfied with anything you see. None feel right, none have everything you want or need, none feel like they could be a home for you. This is the idea the writer is speaking of when he looks at all life has to offer in this world. Nothing satisfies, nothing gives him what he needs, nothing gives him the meaning he’s looking for. He looks and can’t find, listens but hears nothing useful. Outside of Jesus your eyes are going to search and not find what they are needing. It’s like needing new car and going to a butcher to find one. If you’re not going to Jesus, you won’t find what you need. For you are looking for true hope in life, purpose to your pain, a purpose to your life, peace, and forgiveness of your wrongs. Your eyes can look other places and your ears can listen to so many other voices, but the only One who can offer you want you need is Jesus. You have the freedom to continue searching, my hope though is you take the vanity of your pursuits so far as evidence that anything other than Jesus won’t offer you the fullness of what you need. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1991
Daily DEVO 