Day 135 – Ecclesiastes: Introduction
“That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty” Ecclesiastes 12:13 NLT
Empty. Futile. Hollow. Nothing. The words have a ring of disappointment and disillusionment. Yet, this is the kind of life that many experience. Grasping at the sweet things this world offers: possessions, knowledge, power, or pleasure – they find nothing inside. Life is empty, meaningless, and they sink into despair.
Solomon spoke of this human dilemma almost 3000 years ago, but the insights and applications of his message are still relevant in our time. Ecclesiastes, Solomon’s written sermon, is an analysis of life’s experiences and a critical essay about life’s true meaning. In this profound book, he takes us on a reflective journey through his life, explaining how everything he had tried, tested, or tasted had been “meaningless” – useless, irrational, pointless, foolish, and empty – an exercise in futility. And remember, these words are from one who had it all: tremendous intellect, power, and wealth.
After this biographical tour, Solomon makes his final conclusion: “Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad” (12:13-14) As we study Ecclesiastes, may this be your final conclusion too.
Prayer: Father, we thank You for our life and for the guidance Ecclesiastes offers to live our lives in obedience to You. May we take the life lessons of Solomon to heart and remember these teachings as we go through the seasons of our own lives. Amen.
