The tales told in the past repeat themselves on a daily basis. The classic story of Romeo & Juliet has been retold in different ways, genres and locations. What is it about these plot lines that draw us in? The movies and television shows are much the same. There have been so many “sequels,” it’s hard to keep track of them all. Why can’t we come up with something new?

King Solomon wrestled with the same dilemma. Here was a man that had everything. So much so, that he had tried it all and still remained lacking. He basically came to a point in his life when none of it mattered. It was all meaningless – chasing after the wind.
Solomon had more than the wealthiest of today. He had wives and (as a child once said) “porcupines” than any other man. His riches exceeded those of any other. He experienced everything (good and bad) that life had to offer. Even with all that, he wasn’t satisfied.

Why do we repeat and repeat and repeat? We go through life making many of the same mistakes. We stumble through each day, trying to make sense of what’s happening around us. We drag ourselves to jobs we hate. We spend hours in the car driving kids from one activity or another. Are we really living or just rewinding? Are we becoming sequels of the days before?

There is nothing new under the sun while we remain in this life, but there is a refuge – a hiding place – a sanctuary where we can find comfort. There is something new when we’re under the Son. God has promised a future filled with amazing new things. Our table will be set with exquisite foods we’ve never tasted. Our days will be filled with joy and sadness will not exist. We will have all of our needs provided for and more.

While we travel this world, things will remain the same. We aren’t guaranteed perfection if we believe in God. There will be wars, hatred, division, violence and hostility. Death is the passage that takes us to a new place – one with adventures never experienced and it will last forever. Can’t wait!