In Ecclesiastes, Solomon considers the meaning of life. He concludes that everything “under the sun” is vanity. Vanity here means utter emptiness or uselessness. Solomon was in a position to experience all that the world had to offer to a human. Being very wise (although he did many unwise things), he decided to tell us of the futility of his worldly experiences.
Solomon concludes, “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13,14).
Jesus puts a different emphasis on Solomon’s thoughts and gives us much relief and hope. He says, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:9, 10).
Jesus portrays Himself as the Good Shepherd. He promises abundant life to His sheep. Who are his sheep? Those who follow Him and His voice. See verses 1-5.
Certainly this abundant life means eternal life after we are gone from this world. However, I believe He includes this life here as a Christian. We who are members of His flock (the Church) are members of a family of believers. We enjoy the benefits of fellowship with the Godhead and with one another and, as we walk in the light, our sins are forgiven. See I John chapter 1.
Does this mean we will never have any problems with the world or with members of His family? Certainly not, because the thief (Satan) is always out there trying to take away members of His Flock.
Let us embrace the teachings of our Good Shepherd and the abundant life He brings!
For the elders, Dave Benner