Divine Scripture states, “The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit” (Ecclesiastes 7:8, emphasis added). An analogy apropos to the inspired scribe’s lesson is that of a participant in a marathon, who is approaching the finish line after a long and grueling race. Although the marathoner’s strength and endurance has undoubtedly been pushed to its full extent by this point, the appearance of the banner designating the goal line reinvigorates him with excitement to successfully complete the race. At that moment exhaustion and pain dissipates and is at once replaced with enthusiasm fueling the durability of the runner all the way to the end. Hence, the Ecclesiastic writer is manifesting the satisfaction experienced by a person who perseveres until the very end, never giving up. However, it is imperative to know that the quest the inspired scribe is referring to is life under the sun; rather the end of it. The Hebrew poet previously pens, “A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of one’s birth” (Ecclesiastes 7:1, emphasis added). Admittedly, at a first glance, this statement appears to be quite the opposite of what is commonly experienced in this world since the birth of a child always brings joy and the death of a loved one sorrow. However, upon closer examination observe that the birth and death of another is what brings forth these antipodal sentiments, and the inspired amanuensis is speaking of a person’s own birth and death. He reiterates this as he further explains, “Better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for that is the end of all men; and the living will take it to heart” (Ecclesiastes 7:2, emphasis added). Indeed, man’s date with death is inevitable; an appointment an insurmountable amount of people dread and avoid thinking of. Yet, it is curious to observe that for the Koheleth this was an event he looked upon with boldness and satisfaction. In his mind’s eye, his life was the marathon he had endured for so long and his pending death was the goal line signaling his crowning achievement. It is mesmerizing to know that the Preacher was not the only one who viewed death as a victory instead of a sordid loss. The apostle Paul manifested to the church in Philippi, from his prison, that he was unsure if he preferred to live or die since “for to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21, emphasis added). This conviction never wavered in the mind of Paul during his tenure on earth, for when he was sure his departure was near he joyously exclaimed, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2nd Timothy 4:7-8, emphasis added). Behold “the secret” to the Preacher’s wise synopsis! The apostle Paul and the Koheleth were both fully aware that there was something much greater and marvelous than this grueling, transitional life. They wisely understood that the end of life in this world, provided access to life in the eternal realm. Thus, both inspired scribes were cognizant that man’s time on earth was to prepare him for his eternal abode in heaven. Both men did not doubt that “if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2nd Corinthians 5:1, emphasis added). Irrefutably, Paul and the Preacher had the blessed assurance of the Master being faithful to His promise. Verily, it is wonderful to learn that as the Lord announced His departure from this world to His chosen disciples He consoled the eleven, saying, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1-2, emphasis added). This, undeniably, is what the apostle Paul alluded to in his letter to the church in Corinth. Peter did not forget the Master’s solace either, for he too emulated Jesus as he encouraged our persecuted brethren “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul” (1st Peter 2:11, emphasis added). His reason for this cautionary advice is elaborated by another apostle who heard the Lord’s promise along with Peter as he illuminates “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1st John 2:15-17, emphasis added). It is imperative to highlight that those who do not dread their death, but rather perceive it as a satisfying victory, are described by every inspired writer as those who do the will of God. This is logical, for those who live a faithful life in Christ and follow all of His commandments are the ones who have believed in Him. Let us not ignore that when Christ told His disciples to “believe in Him,” the Master was speaking of having trust and confidence in Him. In other words, the Master was instructing His chosen pupils to trust in Him and follow His lead. He ingrains this utmost necessity as He once more promulgates, “You are My friends, if you do whatever I command you” (John 15:14, emphasis added). It is well known that the primary characteristic of friendship a bond forged by trust. Thus, the Lord validates that all who follow His footsteps, are also those who have befriended the Son of God. Hence the apostle’s enthusiastic proclamation “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:1, emphasis added). For this reason, for those who have surrendered all to Jesus and have lived faithful to His word, the appearance of death is God joyously calling His children home for “we are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to present with the Lord” (2nd Corinthians 5:8, emphasis added). Thus, it is undeniable that only those whom the Lord has added to His church can be confident that “death is swallowed up in victory” (1st Corinthians 15:54).
