Connecting Point: A Hearse Towing a U-Haul

“Naked a man comes from his mother’s womb, and as he comes, so he departs,” Ecclesiastes 5:15. Throughout history our

common heritage shares these two most common experiences: birth and death. Modern medical advances have allowed for some changes in regard to fertilization and conception, but a woman’s womb is still the standard home for a baby up to the point of childbirth. Now some would argue that we seldom experience death “naked,” but their argument is empty. Solomon’s point is fundamentally true; we are born with nothing and take nothing with us when we die. When’s the last time you have seen a hearse hauling a U-Haul? Never.

Ancient Egyptian society espoused the burial of one’s riches upon death, believed to help a pharaoh survive in the afterlife. King Tutankhamun (Tut) reigned for about 10 years and died at the early age of nineteen. Like other pharaohs’ tombs, Tut’s was looted, treasures stolen. You may surmise Tut didn’t take it with him. There are some substantial archeological finds including what is said to be Tut’s sarcophagus, a three-layered coffin bedazzled with gold and precious stones and estimated in value at $1.2 million dollars.

Here’s my point about The Book of Ecclesiastes, a great deal of Solomon’s perspective is dedicated to exploring the significance of life, notably how riches in and of themselves are meaningless. In our current epoch, historians have chronicled the rise of materialism, especially during the rampant material growth in the last half of the nineteenth century, and currently since the explosion of internet commerce. “Riches” have long been sought after, even celebrated. It’s important to note that Solomon doesn’t make the case that riches are purely evil or unnecessary, but one should live balanced, not being controlled by possessions. Finding happiness in material things is momentary.

Solomon said, “I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owners, or wealth lost through some misfortune so that when they have children there is nothing left for them to inherit,” (Ecclesiastes 5:13-15). The “grievous evil” refers to the vanity of life: Two thoughts emerge from the text.

First, Solomon describes an oxymoron; hoarding, a very sign of greed, hurts the person. We must be mindful of accumulating wealth and possessions. Might possessions own us if we hold tightly to them? Jesus said when questioned about inheritance between brothers, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions,” (Luke 12:15). Greed is ugly and subtle.

Second, misfortune is always a possibility. Economic uncertainty occurs through natural disasters, political upheaval, financial downturns, and major life-changing events such as death or

accidents.

Paul taught, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share,” (1 Timothy 6:17-19). An open heart is an indicator of a balanced and generous life. It is between you and God. Life eternal is the reward.