And Desire Shall Fail

"Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets." (Ecclesiastics 12:5)

Even among atheists, the name of Solomon stands as a wonderful wonder. How his wisdom won the amazement of the entire world is still baffling to the human mind. Born and bred in a kingdom where God was the unseen ruler, Solomon grew up into royalty. His father David was described as a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). His wisdom attracted even his enemies just as a magnetic material is drawn when placed in a magnetic field.

The life of Solomon should be a perfect example to anyone who seeks to acquire all things this mundane world can afford. Indeed, he placed himself as a research material as "ensamples… upon whom the ends of the world are come" (1 Corinthians 10:11). His kingdom began with God as the master architect but his quest to know more about worldliness brought so many dark pages into his life. His association with heathens turned his heart toward idolatry. He became so entangled in almost every form of heathen rituals and sin.

"Solomon sat upon a throne of ivory, the steps of which were of solid gold, flanked by six golden lions. His eyes rested upon highly cultivated and beautiful gardens just before him. Those grounds were visions of loveliness, arranged to resemble as far as possible the Garden of Eden… Scenes of revelry, music, sports, and games were arranged for his diversion at an extravagant expenditure of money" (3BC 1165.3). From his lips came the words, "Remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth" (Ecclesiastics 12:1). To the youth who intends to experiment with his life, the template has been given. "Vanity of vanities" (Ecclesiastics 1:2) will be the proclamation at the apex of his life.

A time is coming when all of life’s allurements will avail nothing--- a time he calls "the failing of desire." Oh young man, a time where your fame, popularity, wealth, your scientific knowledge, your strength, and all that matters to you now will be utterly useless. A time will come when you will render unto God an account of even the minutest detail of your life. While desires are failing, while nothing will satisfy the hungering soul, there is only one Man who can fill that longing desire - Jesus, "the desire of all nations" (Haggai 2:7); and He is coming soon to rescue His children from this sin sick world. But until then, He beckons "seek ye first the kingdom of God" (Matthew 6:33). "Young people, you must pray for your passions are strong and your wisdom is little" (C. H. Spurgeon). Seek Christ and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Blessings!

Jude Adjei Asamoah