Ecclesiastes

I think Ecclesiastes is becoming one of my most favourite books of the Old Testament. For many, it is unpopular as it seems very negative and pessimistic, but I find it touches on the deepest question of all;

'What is life all about?'

The writer of the book is believed to be King Solomon, who was the 3rd king of Israel after Saul and his father David. He had inherited much from his father, but built on it further with wise political decisions. His reign started well, with the building of the Temple and his proclamation of God being at the centre of their Kingdom, but as he acquired more wealth, wives and horses (which kings were warned about in Deuteronomy), his focus soon became blurred.

So at the end of his prosperous and what would seem on the surface, successful life, we find him writing the book of Ecclesiastes as he reflects on what has been.

1:2 - "Everything is meaningless," says the teacher, "completely meaningless!"

This is not the sort of start you would expect from a great leaders autobiography!

But, after explaining that everything he has tried (wealth, jobs, wisdom, companionship) left him feeling hopeless, he concludes in verse 13 of chapter 12;

"Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty."

At the end of his life, Solomon can see that life is short and many of the things we seek and desire from the world around us are temporary and ultimately unfulfilling, but that with an understanding of God and the things he asks us to do in this life and in the hope we have after, we find meaning and fulfilment.

Check out Ecclesiastes for yourself and try and read it through the eyes of your friends and family who are searching for meaning in life.

Maybe that person is you?

Life is meaningless...without the meaning and worth that Jesus has given it!