The Conclusion of the Matter

This powerful conclusion to the book of Ecclesiastes confronts us with life's most fundamental question: what makes our fleeting existence meaningful? Through Solomon's vivid and sometimes uncomfortable descriptions of aging and mortality, we're reminded that life passes quickly—but this isn't a message of despair. Instead, it's an urgent invitation to discover meaning now, not later. The central revelation is beautifully simple yet profoundly transformative: the meaning of life is found in a relationship with God. This isn't about religious duty or fear of punishment; it's about caring more about what God thinks than anyone else, about wanting to please the One who loves us unconditionally. The examples of the Hebrew midwives who defied Pharaoh and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who refused to bow to an idol show us what it means to truly fear God—not cowering in terror, but living with such reverence that His opinion matters more than any earthly authority. When we remember our Creator, fear God with proper reverence, and keep His commands out of love rather than obligation, our temporary lives become eternally significant. Even the thief on the cross, in his final moments, discovered this truth and received eternal life. We're invited to that same relationship today, right now, because today is the day of salvation.