Fade Away
When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, and its place acknowledges it no longer. Psalm 103:16 NASB
It is no more – Where will you be when it’s over? According to this psalm, you and I will be ‘ene—nowhere! The root is ‘ayin. “This word is basically a negative substantive used most frequently in the construct form (ʾên). The word therefore has no single meaning and the exact translation must be determined in each context. The negative concept is always present wherever the word is used. It is characteristically used to negate a noun or noun clause,”[1] In other words, once we were, then we are not! Like the grass, we are gone.
This is the real problem of life! Not our infinitesimal size in comparison with the universe. Not the daily struggle between yetser ha’ra and yetser ha’tov. The real problem with life is its temporality. The real problem is fading into nothing. The Greeks knew this problem only too well.
“Men are haunted by the vastness of eternity.” Not the vastness of space but the inexorable progression of time. Time is the true leveler of all accomplishments. In the end, everything dies. Without an answer to the problem of temporality, there is no real reason to live. A momentary spark in the cosmic dark. A brief flash to be forgotten. If this is all there is, then there is no point at all.
Consequently, YHVH, the Creator of Life, must address the problem of death! The problem of time—endless, ubiquitous, equalizing, destroying. This is not limited to the puny consequences of human sin. This is cosmic! The entire universe, created for life, is dying. What can be done about that! In 100 years no ones remembers what happened today. In 1000 years no one cares. In 10,000 years it never even mattered.
David touches the heart of perhaps the most pressing of all human concerns. “What does it matter?” If it all fades to nothing, what difference does anything I do really make? Once more the Greeks speak:
But Greek “immortality” is entirely within the human frame. It is revealed in tombstones and legends, names on hospital wings and signatures on treaties. There is nothing really eternal about any of this. David’s insight is the truth about life without the promise of the Creator: nothing lasts forever. If we ignore David’s insight, pretending that somehow our deeds have permanence, we will not be prepared for the next verse, the truth about eternity.
Topical Index: immortality, eternity, Psalm 103:16
[1] Scott, J. B. (1999). 81 אַיִן. In R. L. Harris, G. L. Archer, Jr. & B. K. Waltke (Eds.), Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (R. L. Harris, G. L. Archer, Jr. & B. K. Waltke, Ed.) (electronic ed.) (37). Chicago: Moody Press.
The Man Who Had It All
Sorry Ol’ Solomon
Vanity of vanities — all is vanity. Empty. Vain. Futile. Poor fella’. I really do feel sorry for this “Preacher.” The (second) wisest man who ever lived? This guy had “everything.” He had the womens, the toys, the power, the music, the pleasures, – and the endless pursuit of “more.’ And looky here, kids!- His (own) conclusion? It all amounts to a “hill of beans!” Yep. A vapor in the wind. Whoosh! – and you’re gone. “Is that all there is?”
Great song title. Let’s break out the booze and have a ball. (her conclusion). This, my friends is life on the outside. I don’t know how or where Solomon, who was btw, the son of David, “a man after God’s own heart,” went astray and awry, but did he ever “wander” from the path of life! How did this happen? “Self” became the focus!
Here is a list of his “accomplishments.” Or for those who prefer the “bumper sticker” version: “he who dies with the most toys” wins! Accumulation (and the clutter that ensues is the answer?) “I” got this and “I” accumulated that! “I” did this and “I” did that! Look, if you will, at all “my” trophies. (and my own atrophy!).
Now, (Solomon) let’s try this again, – (shall we?). Are you listening? “For the glory of God,” -(and the service of man!), — Amen.
The big question is — Are we capable of learning from the mistakes of others?
Skip, Like the video inserts to make a point!
Thanks Carl. Yes…that is the BIG question.
I pray we are capable of learning, but based on history, it doesn’t look good.
I thank G-d daily for the new and challenging places He has taken me since meeting Skip (2007) and following his Today’s Word.
God puts so many opportunities in front of us but often it takes a life time to notice them, understand Who provided them, and, then show the proper gratitude.
“And you shall love the Lord your G-d with all your heart…”
Skip, the video clips are great illustrations, well done!
you can thank Mark for that. He did the web site magic to get them to work.
The guy who has “everything” is not thinking about the accumulation of toys — as often as not, that’s a problem for people without money to purchase all the stuff they want. People with money think less about accumulation of stuff than they do about power. Consider our own national leaders and those running for higher office. Are they doing if for money? For stuff? Those who hold the reins of power (or aspire to do so), are most concerned about whether “anybody will know my name”. The bane of those with power is legacy. Who will remember me? Power is only good in the long run if it is remembered.
For most of us, those who remember us will probably end with our grandchildren, perhaps our great grandchildren if we live long enough to know them. But beyond that, I’m not sure being remembered is such a great thing. I think those who have caused distress are remembered far more often than those who have relieved it. A name on a building, or a tree, or a bench does not guarantee that anyone remembers anything, much less what was good.
Think about how much of Torah is focused on teaching our children how to love God. The legacy we want will be passing on how to love God to our children and our children’s children. Of course, they often won’t appreciate what they have learned until they are getting old(er) and looking back on their lives — I know that I didn’t. But by then (hopefully), they realize they have been living in a way that has passed that understanding on to their children and their children’s children. That’s more than legacy. It’s immortality.
As the teacher says, “all is vanity”. This desiring to make a mark and be remembered forever seems vanity to me. I wonder if it would be different if I had lots of money and power and worldly acclaim? Maybe, but I can honestly say that I love my simple life. It does not bother me anymore than no one will remember me long when I return to dust.
It was something I used to pay a lot of attention to when I was in my 20 somethings. Even said it out loud often. “I will make my mark so I am remembered!” Talk about vanity!! 🙂
Maybe maturity has something to do with it, I do not have the answer. I just know that I truly believe there is a time for all things and when I die, I am simply gone. Sleeping until the Messiah returns to make all things new.
Guess I am not such a good Greek anymore!! LOL