“He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 5:10)
Solomon’s massive wealth obviously didn’t satisfy Israel’s King who knew the futility of loving treasure. “Vanity” is the watchword of Ecclesiastes. Solmon uses it to highlight the emptiness of creation’s inability to save. But though we hear the warnings and cries, we easily forget the danger. The call to love God over the world fades from our minds when the work week ramps up, and our souls become flooded with anxiety.
In the Psalms we hear “Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright, I will show the salvation of God” (Psalm 50:23). “Orderly conduct” includes having the right priorities. It’s the soul loving the right object, the LORD our God over money and fame. The 1st commandment teaches us to love God with all our heart, mind and soul. It directs us to God above all things. The problem is our inability to follow this direction apart from divine aid. Something always gets in the way and our only recourse is repentance and faith in the One Who opens our eyes to see what Solomon is saying, that loving silver never satisfies. The eye always wants more and by Christ faith is given and sustained to seek God as the Greatest Good.
This text corresponds well to the Gospel lesson today. The rich young man encountered the vanity of riches before God incarnate calling him to leave it all and follow Him. We’re no different, as the world tugs at our heart, tempting us to exchange God for the lie. May God help us to heed Solomon’s words, the Word of God calling us to repentance and faith seeking eternal wealth in Christ. Not only does this treasure last forever, but it satisfies us when the world doesn’t. It’s the reason joy abounds in the Word “be content with what you have” (Hebrews 13:5). Be content because what’s coming is far better.
Rev. Ryan J. Ogrodowicz
Grace Lutheran Church - Brenham, Texas
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
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