Day 170 – Ecclesiastes 1-6

Talking Points

• “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (1:2). A profound discourse on the natural inclination of human life. We are built for the eternal. Stamped into our DNA is the realization that life is more than the passing days we walk through. People crave something greater. So, we often look to worldly knowledge. We chase after pleasure and possessions. We think achievement and accomplishment will satisfy us. Yet, all of that — even grandly realized — leaves us empty.
• Vanity means that something appears to be something, but is actually nothing. It is a promise that proves empty, a mirage that fades as you draw near.
• As Solomon processes through these realizations, he warns the reader to consider God deeply. As we think about who we are and what our purpose is, we should think about God carefully, not flippantly or impulsively (5:1-2).
• On this heavy journey, seeking purpose and fulfillment, Solomon sees the value in contentment. It is possible to be so driven in empty pursuits that you miss the good things God has blessed you with (6:6). It is better to find joy in the present things that are good, than to long for things that might never be.

Thoughts

Have you ever looked around at people scurrying about to endless piano lessons or baseball games or parties and wondered, “What’s the point?” Ever sat in a classroom or conference center filled with people, all required to be there, yet seemingly uninterested in the topic being taught and thought, “Life is so weird. What’s the purpose?” (Me in my high school algebra class.)

As I read through Ecclesiastes, I can somewhat relate to what Solomon is saying. The cycles in life just keep going. The sun comes up and goes down. The wind blows. The rivers flow. People live, they work, they raise families, they entertain themselves, they pass away, and the next generation does it all again, not knowing about things happening before their time. So, what’s the point?

The message of this book is what Solomon finally concludes: Life is a gift of God, and we should live it in obedience to Him, knowing that there will be a day when the Lord will judge us. Simply, we should chase what truly matters, to the glory of our Creator God. The truth is, we won’t find fulfillment or purpose in anything else. But, if we can find the balance of enjoying the life God has given us and keeping our eyes fixed on things that truly matter, we will be filled with “gladness of heart” (5:20).