“Nothing New Under the Sun”
3rd or 4th Century B.C.: The Old Testament Wisdom Book of Ecclesiastes is attributed to King Solomon son of King David. Solomon was the wisest man of his time and near the end of his life knew the most important thing in life was a relationship with God – not chasing fruitlessly to find contentment in things of this earth. In Ecclesiastes 1:9 he said: “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun”.
1918 The Spanish Flu (1918-1920) infected 500 million people worldwide and caused 50 million deaths (more deaths than in all the wars of the 20th century). In the United States, a quarter of the population caught the virus and 675,000 died. With no vaccine to protect against the virus, people were urged to isolate, quarantine, practice good personal hygiene, and limit social interaction.
2020 Covid 19 (2020 to unknown): December statistics reveal over 82 million cases worldwide with 1, 800,000 deaths. In this country to date, we are closing in on 2o million infections with 350, 000 deaths. We have been advised to practice the same safety guidelines urged in the 1918 pandemic (nothing new under the sun). Thankfully now, vaccines have been developed.
Pandemics are indiscriminate! They affect and kill people worldwide regardless of socioeconomic status, education, ethnicity, gender or age! Still yet, many do not believe nor will take precautions to protect themselves or others.
Guidelines must be followed! While in bondage in Egypt, the Israelites were told to place the blood of a lamb on their doorpost so the death angel would pass over their house saving the lives of their firstborn (Exodus 12). Those who failed to do so, suffered the loss of their first born!
There is nothing new under the sun and trials and tribulations will continue; but, take heart, Jesus Christ, (The Lamb of God) has overcome them all (John 16:33) providing believers with eternal salvation through His sacrificial death. Those who don’t accept this divine gift of salvation will have to endure Hell.
As the New Year dawns with new hopes and new opportunities to do right, reflect on the Word of God and that there is nothing new under the sun. Since time began, babies are born and people die. Fortunes reverse and through it all, the earth keeps turning, seasons change and there are new beginnings and endings; but, the Word of God does not change. The end of things as we know is imminent! Christ will return and claim His own. The saved will stand before the Judgment Seat (2 Corinthians 5:10) and the unsaved before the Great White Throne (Revelation 20:11-15). Where will you be? Our Lord nor His Word changes (Numbers 23:19).
End of Times. No one knows! (Mark 12:32) If you think 2020 was hell; compared to eternal HELL, it’s a playground! This year we have witnessed how abruptly life can change. Read, study and heed the Word of God. It is guidance through this life and provides the only way to eternal life with our Father. Stand for Christ now and you will stand with Him in eternity.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandment for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
