Man of Sorrows

Josh September 24th, 2006

Ecclesiastes 1:18

For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

We often hear the phrase, “Ignorance is bliss.” Well, it comes from a poem by Thomas Gray. Here are some excerpts:

Alas! regardless of their doom,
    The little victims play!
No sense have they of ills to come,
    Nor care beyond today:
Yet see how all around ‘em wait
The ministers of human fate,
    And black Misfortune’s baleful train!
Ah, show them where in ambush stand
To seize their prey the murderous band!
Ah, tell them they are men!

and

To each his sufferings: all are men,
    Condemned alike to groan,
The tender for another’s pain;
    The unfeeling for his own.
Yet ah! why should they know their fate?
Since sorrow never comes too late,
    And happiness too swiftly flies.
Thought would destroy their paradise.
No more; where ignorance is bliss,
    ‘Tis folly to be wise.

This seems a lot like the outlook of Solomon in his book of Ecclesiastes. And yet we know what Solomon’s final conclusion is: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

And though Solomon thought he knew the extent of vexation and sorrow because of wisdom, surely none can surpass the burden Christ bore on behalf of His people. His immeasurable knowledge of the depths and depravity of our souls, and are great sinfulness against the law of God had to weigh heavily on His heart as He walked down His path given to Him by the Father. And so we see the words of Solomon exemplified in the life of Christ, Him having been called a “man of sorrow”. Surely it is the kindness of God that leads us to repentance! To think that Christ the Lord would bear the sins of so many, and become sin on our behalf, that He would incur and endure the wrath of His Father, that wrath that burns against rebellion to His law…TO THINK THAT…well, it is incomprehensible.

So we bow our hearts with great contrition, and with utmost humility we gratefully give praise and honor and thanksgiving to the Lord, the Master, the God of all creation.

We bless Your Name O, Lord!

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