We Are Dependent Creatures of God

Rev. Dr. Rick Marrs, senior professor of practical theology and pastoral counseling at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ecclesiastes 5:18-6:12.

Recognizing that all humanity are dependent creatures of God, Solomon commends joy in the gifts of God throughout life. Such joy comes even in the midst of the reality that sometimes death comes before we expect it. In this life under the sun, Solomon recognizes the vanity of this reality that all eventually die. Though we are prone to work only to satisfy our longing for what we don’t have, Solomon urges us to give thanks for the gifts of God we do see. Although man does not know all that is good and man cannot see what comes after his life, God does know these things; therefore, true wisdom is fear of God as His dependent creatures.

“Wisdom for Life Under the Sun” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Ecclesiastes. Solomon’s favorite word in Ecclesiastes paints a bleak picture: “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity!” Apart from God, life is nothing but vapor that does not last and can never be grasped. Yet Solomon does not leave us in despair. He shows us that life does have meaning in the faith and fear of God, from whom all things come to us as a gift.