“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” Ecclesiastes 1:2
Read: Ecclesiastes 1:2
Listen: Ecclesiastes 1
“Everything is meaningless!” The author of Ecclesiastes shakes his readers up by turning us from the false belief that our achievements will live on through the ability of others to remember us. He brings us face to face with the stark reality that time remembers no one (Ecclesiastes 1:11.)
At some point, we all begin to ask ourselves, “What is life really about?” Whether we strive to find life’s meaning in possessions, achievements or experiences—eventually we realize they provide no real meaning because first they are new, then they are old, and then they are gone. They evaporate like the mist of our breath on a cold morning.
Before this week, you may not have been familiar with Ecclesiastes. Written three thousand years ago, it’s lessons still ring true today. Ecclesiastes is in the wisdom and poetry books of the Old Testament. Throughout this series, we will explore some of the themes of the book and see how they connect with the story of the Bible.
This week, we will see how the meaninglessness of life should give us proper perspective, appreciation in the midst of monotony, and humility to find joy in God’s gifts. The author boils it down to a simple idea—life without God is meaningless. He writes, “Here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Jesus gives us a similar message telling us he offers abundant life (John 10:10).
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
As we begin this journey through Ecclesiastes, open your heart to what God has to show you. Invite him into your day and give him permission to reveal where you need to change.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.