There are three books of the Bible that are often called "The Wisdom books." They are Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Job. Together they deal with the age old questions of what is the meaning of our life and how do we live a good life. Proverbs is written from the perspective of a brilliant teacher, sometimes called "Lady Wisdom." She gives her insights on a wide variety of topics. Job is written from the point of view of a man of experience questioning whether or not God is just.
Stephen Eckert taught from the book of Ecclesiastes, which is the wisdom book written from the point of view of a wise teacher or critic. There are three themes, all of which attempt to show that life on Earth is meaningless. The first theme is around time marching forward and eventually we are all forgotten. Time passes and all things fade. The second theme involves the reality that no matter what, regardless of how good or moral we are, human beings are destined to die. The third theme delves into the truth that life is random. Good things happen to bad people and bad things happen to good people.
INVITATION: Stephen pointed out that while Ecclesiastes and its themes can seem bleak, this doesn’t mean life can’t be enjoyed. Jesus came so we can have a joy filled and abundant life. When we recognize how little of life we control, we can truly appreciate what we have—good food, friends, and community. And we can trust that one day, God will restore the broken cycle of human life. He will come to clear the vapor that all things fade to (in Hebrew called hevel) —and make all things right. We serve a good God who loves and cares for us - - no matter what.
MONDAY: Ecclesiastes 1:8-11: All things we take comfort in here on Earth fade away. Nothing lasts. As you consider that "the eye never has enough of seeing nor the ear its fill of hearing," do you place your hope on things here on Earth and this earthly journey or do you keep an eternal perspective? How do you feel when you consider that this earth is not our true home?
TUESDAY: Ecclesiastes 2:1-4 & 9-11: Most believe this wisdom book was written by King Soloman. He was rich and handsome and had all the worldly pleasures you can imagine. This scripture says he "denied himself nothing" his eyes desired and "refused my heart no pleasure." Even so, he found everything was meaningless and like "chasing after the wind." Psalm 16:4 tells us that "the sorrows of those will increase who run after other Gods." As you go to prayer today, ask the Lord to show you any areas of your life where you might have too much of a worldly attachment. Are you willing to allow God to show you the meaninglessness of things of the world? Stephen posed a question in his teaching worthy of prayer today: are you using pleasure in your life as an avoidance mechanism?
WEDNESDAY: Ecclesiastes 3:9-14: Do you feel the "eternity" that is set in your heart? Everything God does will endure; "nothing can be added to it and nothing take from it." How might you dedicate each and every day--and even each and every undertaking in each day--to the Lord and to the things of "eternity?" How might you begin to enjoy the gifts of God in an "eternal" way and without guilt?
THURSDAY: John 10:10-11: Jesus came so that you and I can have life, and "have it to the full." Even though life on Earth is temporary and this is not our eternal home, we are created to have an "abundant" life. Is there an invitation from God for you in these verses today?
FRIDAY: Luke 8:14 & Luke 5:29-32: How might you be allowing life and it's worries, riches and maybe even pleasures, to overtake seeds that God is planting in your heart? The "seed" is the word of God. Are you spending regular time in scripture? Are you willing to tell Jesus in prayer that you are "sick" and need Him in your life and are desirous of the abundant life He intends for you? Is there something currently going on in your life where you might need the help of God to have a more eternal perspective?
SATURDAY: Luke 15:7: Jesus knows about our tendency to repeatedly sin and rebel. Yet He seeks us out anyway. Jesus loves you and has the best laid plans for your life here on earth - even though it is temporary. How might you submit to the call of Jesus i your life today?