February 23, 2024

What's the point of Ecclesiastes?

Ecclesiastes 12

Ali Batir
Friday's Devo

February 23, 2024

Friday's Devo

February 23, 2024

Friday's Devo

February 23, 2024

Friday's Devo

February 23, 2024

Big Book Idea

God defines where true meaning is found.

Key Verse | Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Ecclesiastes 12

Remember Your Creator in Your Youth

1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; 2 before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain, 3 in the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those who look through the windows are dimmed, 4 and the doors on the street are shut—when the sound of the grinding is low, and one rises up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of song are brought low— 5 they are afraid also of what is high, and terrors are in the way; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, 1 12:5 Or is a burden and desire fails, because man is going to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets— 6 before the silver cord is snapped, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern, 7 and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. 8 Vanity 2 12:8 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a vapor or mere breath (three times in this verse); see note on 1:2 of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.

Fear God and Keep His Commandments

9 Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. 10 The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth.

11 The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. 12 My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 3 12:13 Or the duty of all mankind 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with 4 12:14 Or into the judgment on every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Footnotes

[1] 12:5 Or is a burden
[2] 12:8 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath” (three times in this verse); see note on 1:2
[3] 12:13 Or the duty of all mankind
[4] 12:14 Or into the judgment on
Table of Contents
Introduction to Ecclesiastes

Introduction to Ecclesiastes

Timeline

Author

The author of Ecclesiastes calls himself “the Preacher” (1:1). Some interpreters have concluded that this was Solomon, while others think he was a role-playing writer later than Solomon. Either way, the book claims that its wisdom comes from the “one Shepherd” (12:11), the Lord himself.

Theme and Interpretation of Ecclesiastes

The theme of Ecclesiastes is the necessity of fearing God in this fallen, confusing world. Each human being wants to understand all the ways God is acting in the world, but he cannot, because he is not God. And yet the faithful do not despair but cling to God, even when they cannot see what God is doing. The Lord deserves his people’s trust. They can leave everything to him while they seek to understand what it means to “fear God and keep his commandments” (12:13). This is true wisdom.

Key Themes

  1. The tragic reality of the fall. The Preacher is painfully aware that the creation has been damaged by sin (7:29; Rom. 8:20, 22). He speaks as one who eagerly awaits the resurrection age (Rom. 8:23).
  2. The “vanity” of life. The book begins and ends with the exclamation, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Eccles. 1:2; 12:8). The phrase pictures something fleeting and elusive. All the endeavors and pleasures of earthly life are only temporary. When one sees the consequences of sin in this fallen world, one is left in utter frustration, anger, and sorrow. The more one tries to understand life, the more mysterious it becomes (1:12–18).
  3. Sin and death. By sinning, human beings forfeited the righteousness they originally had before God (7:29), and thus all people are sinners (7:20). Death was a result of the fall. The Preacher is only too aware of this dreadful reality that affects everyone (e.g., 2:14–17; 3:18–21; 6:6).
  4. The joy and the frustration of work. God gave Adam work to accomplish prior to the fall, but part of the punishment of his sin was that his work would become difficult (Gen. 2:15; 3:17–19). Both realities are seen in the Preacher’s experience, as he finds his work to be both satisfying (Eccles. 2:10, 24; 3:22; 5:18–20; 9:9–10) and aggravating (2:18–23; 4:4–8).
  5. The grateful enjoyment of God’s good gifts. The Preacher spends a great deal of time commenting on the twisted realities of a fallen world, but this does not blind him to the beauty of God’s world (3:11). Nor does it cause him to despise God’s good gifts of human relationships, food, drink, and satisfying labor (5:18–20; 8:15; 9:7, 9). These are to be received humbly and enjoyed fully as blessings from God.
  6. The fear of God. The fact that “all is vanity” should drive people to take refuge in God, fearing and revering him (7:18; 8:12–13; 12:13–14).

Outline

  1. Introduction and Theme (1:1–3)
  2. First Catalog of “Vanities” (1:4–2:26)
  3. Poem: A Time for Everything (3:1–8)
  4. Fear God, the Sovereign One (3:9–15)
  5. Second Catalog of “Vanities” (3:16–4:16)
  6. Fear God, the Holy and Righteous One (5:1–7)
  7. Life “Under the Sun” (5:8–7:24)
  8. The Heart of the Problem: Sin (7:25–29)
  9. More on Life “Under the Sun” (8:1–12:7)
  10. Final Conclusion and Epilogue (12:8–14)
The Global Message of Ecclesiastes

The Global Message of Ecclesiastes

Life in a Broken World

The book of Ecclesiastes explains the world in all its complexity, confusion, and frustration with striking honesty. “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity,” declares the Preacher, echoing the cries of many who have seen, experienced, and recognized the dreadful fallenness of our world (Eccles. 1:2). The global reality both then and now is that our broken world is filled with oppression of the powerless (4:1), oppression of the poor (5:8), and violation of justice and righteousness (5:8). There is nothing new under the sun (1:9), no lasting earthly glory (1:11), no ultimately fulfilling pleasure (2:1–11), and no certainty in life except that it will end in death and judgment (2:14–16; 3:18–20; 6:6; 12:14).

In a fallen world there are many painful and complicated questions, but the message of Ecclesiastes is that there is an answer. That answer is not an easy one, but it is simple: fear the Lord (Eccles. 3:14; 5:7; 12:13–14). Though this world is filled with oppression and injustice, ultimately it will be well for those who fear God (8:12) and it will not be well for the wicked (8:13).

This world is filled with both blessings and challenges, neither of which provides ultimate answers or clarity about the meaning of life. If this world is all there is, then all is vanity. But when we trust the Lord in the face of circumstances that discourage us from doing so, we have a sure hope that we will one day be restored to him. Indeed, from a whole-Bible perspective, there is one who is the way (John 14:6), who is the comforter (2 Cor. 1:3), who is wisdom itself (1 Cor. 1:24). We will not easily figure God out, nor can we fathom all that he does (Eccles. 3:11). He is not a subject to be scrutinized or solved, nor are his ways easily comprehended (8:17). But God has spoken to us in his Son, who gives us the words of eternal life (John 6:68).

Purpose in Life and the Purpose of Life

The message of Ecclesiastes is that however difficult things may be because of the curse upon mankind in this fallen world, there is purpose and grace for all. There is enduring hope and satisfying life as we walk with God. The very gifts of God that, apart from God, prove hollow and disappointing, can be enjoyed truly and satisfyingly—not as the main purpose of life but as a means to know God in a deeper way. Our message to the world is that there is purpose in life regarding the blessings we receive from God such as food, drink, and work, but that these blessings are not the purpose of life.

Purpose in life. There is a proper place, time, and perspective for each season in life and for each blessing from God (Eccles. 3:1–8). The blessings of common grace are to be recognized as coming from the very hand of God. Work and its enjoyment are blessings from God (2:24; 3:22; 5:18–20). There is purpose in life for work, but neither work itself nor the hoarding of possessions are the purpose of life. When work becomes the governing purpose of life, when envy is our driving force, or when we seek satisfaction in wealth, we are left disappointed (2:18–23; 4:4). There is purpose in life for other gifts of common grace such as food, drink, and relationships (2:24–26; 3:12–13; 5:18–20; 8:15; 9:7, 9). The proper enjoyment of such gifts comes from God, who alone satisfies (3:13; 5:19).

The purpose of life. This then is the purpose of life: to fear God, who is sovereign (Eccles. 3:11, 14), holy in heaven (5:2, 7), and judge of all (12:13–14). He is the Giver of gifts and the one who grants even the ability to enjoy these gifts (5:19). In receiving such gifts of life we are to find our greatest joy in him (5:20).

The Global Church’s Mission to a Broken World

The book of Ecclesiastes provides a brutally honest and refreshing message for the global church to proclaim to the world. In one sense the Christian message is other-worldly, yet it also addresses the sober realities that face each society and every individual in every generation. The message of the gospel not only affirms the disappointments of life, it also offers the only true hope for meaningful living.

The Giver and the gifts. There is a Creator to be worshiped (Eccles. 12:1). He has made all things. Life is to be enjoyed as being from him and to him. The world must recognize the blessed common grace they have received in creation, life, work, and possessions. They should enjoy such blessings, but not as the purpose of life. The global church has a message of hope for a world that is “striving after wind” (1:14). Clinging to the gift rather than worshiping the Giver is meaningless. The wealthy are not to be envied, for they find neither ultimate satisfaction nor eternal security in their wealth (5:10–17). It is far better to enjoy fellowship with the Giver rather than simply enjoying his gifts, however good they may be.

The ultimate gift. Enjoyment of God is available ultimately because he sent his Son to die on behalf of sinners. There is none who is righteous before God (Eccles. 7:20). No one can escape death (2:16; 9:3, 12). God’s ways cannot be easily or fully fathomed (3:11), but he has indeed revealed himself clearly and gloriously in the person of his Son Jesus Christ (John 14:9). In the Son we have seen the one who both demonstrates and also empowers what it means to truly fear and enjoy God. There is grace abundant for all who recognize the vanity of their selfish living and remember and fear their Creator (Eccles. 12:1) and Redeemer (Isa. 54:5).

A sure hope. While Ecclesiastes sobers us with the reminder that this fallen world is filled with injustice, it also offers hope. Christians are to be active in seeking justice and encouraging the oppressed within society (Isa. 1:17). But we need not despair at the imperfect justice of this world because God will bring final and perfect justice one day (Eccles. 3:17). For the oppressed and the victims of injustice this is indeed good news. It is not vanity to fear and follow God (8:10–13). To those in the global church who suffer under persecution for the sake of the gospel there is the comfort that God does indeed see them, take care of them, and remember them.

A sovereign Lord. There is one who is in control. God is in control when times are good and when times are bad (Eccles. 7:14). We are not in control—which is a great blessing, despite the ways in which we often seek to control our lives. Our message to the world is to abandon striving after control and to embrace the one who is in control. Every building and work of art will one day turn to dust, but there is one who is eternal and whose works last forever (3:14). Our message to the world is to abandon the quest for self-glory and the accumulation of possessions and to embrace the blessed and wise God-centered life of sober hope.

This is the glorious Christian vision for life that the church must embrace and display for the world to see.

Ecclesiastes Fact #1: Ecclesiastes

Fact: Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes encourages God’s people to trust him in a fallen and often confusing world, in which sin and heartache touch every corner of the globe. We are to “fear God and keep his commandments” (12:13), even when we cannot understand everything that is going on around us.

Ecclesiastes Fact #2: Vanity, vanities, and vain

Fact: Vanity, vanities, and vain

The words vanity, vanities, and vain occur nearly 40 times in Ecclesiastes. Their literal meaning is “vapor” or “breath,” so they are used to describe things that can be fleeting or elusive, like the search for meaning and purpose in life.

Ecclesiastes Fact #5: “Eat, drink, and be merry”?

Fact: “Eat, drink, and be merry”?

“Eat, drink, and be merry”? Ecclesiastes advises those who serve God to enjoy his gifts of food, drink, comfort, married life, and honest work (9:7–9; compare 2:24–26; 3:13; 5:19–20).

Study Notes

Eccles. 12:1 Evil days refers to the physical weakening of old age.

Study Notes

Eccles. 8:1–12:7 More on Life “Under the Sun.” The Preacher continues his observations on life in a fallen world. He gives appropriate counsel for living wisely.

Eccles. 12:2–7 This section is a symbolic picture of aging and death. The common link between most of the images used in v. 6 appears to be that they are water receptacles: since water is a symbol of life, the destruction of these items indicates the moment when life ceases and the spirit returns to God who gave it (see note on 3:21).

Study Notes

Eccles. 12:11 A goad is a long stick used for guiding oxen while plowing. The words of the wise provide moral and intellectual stability like nails firmly fixed. Ultimately, such wisdom is given by one Shepherd, God.

Study Notes

Eccles. 12:8–14 Final Conclusion and Epilogue. The Preacher restates his claim that all is “vanity.” The epilogue affirms the wisdom of the Preacher, summons the reader to pay careful attention to the words of the wise, and summarizes the overall message of the book.

Eccles. 12:13–14 The Preacher has already pointed out the need to fear God (see note on 5:1–7) and to keep his commandments (compare 5:4–6; 7:17–18). The whole duty of man thus involves genuine faith in God, as well as good works, which are the inevitable result of true faith (see James 2:14). God will bring every deed into judgment (compare Eccles. 11:9), thus it is important to obey his commands.

Introduction to Ecclesiastes

Introduction to Ecclesiastes

Timeline

Author

The author of Ecclesiastes calls himself “the Preacher” (1:1). Some interpreters have concluded that this was Solomon, while others think he was a role-playing writer later than Solomon. Either way, the book claims that its wisdom comes from the “one Shepherd” (12:11), the Lord himself.

Theme and Interpretation of Ecclesiastes

The theme of Ecclesiastes is the necessity of fearing God in this fallen, confusing world. Each human being wants to understand all the ways God is acting in the world, but he cannot, because he is not God. And yet the faithful do not despair but cling to God, even when they cannot see what God is doing. The Lord deserves his people’s trust. They can leave everything to him while they seek to understand what it means to “fear God and keep his commandments” (12:13). This is true wisdom.

Key Themes

  1. The tragic reality of the fall. The Preacher is painfully aware that the creation has been damaged by sin (7:29; Rom. 8:20, 22). He speaks as one who eagerly awaits the resurrection age (Rom. 8:23).
  2. The “vanity” of life. The book begins and ends with the exclamation, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Eccles. 1:2; 12:8). The phrase pictures something fleeting and elusive. All the endeavors and pleasures of earthly life are only temporary. When one sees the consequences of sin in this fallen world, one is left in utter frustration, anger, and sorrow. The more one tries to understand life, the more mysterious it becomes (1:12–18).
  3. Sin and death. By sinning, human beings forfeited the righteousness they originally had before God (7:29), and thus all people are sinners (7:20). Death was a result of the fall. The Preacher is only too aware of this dreadful reality that affects everyone (e.g., 2:14–17; 3:18–21; 6:6).
  4. The joy and the frustration of work. God gave Adam work to accomplish prior to the fall, but part of the punishment of his sin was that his work would become difficult (Gen. 2:15; 3:17–19). Both realities are seen in the Preacher’s experience, as he finds his work to be both satisfying (Eccles. 2:10, 24; 3:22; 5:18–20; 9:9–10) and aggravating (2:18–23; 4:4–8).
  5. The grateful enjoyment of God’s good gifts. The Preacher spends a great deal of time commenting on the twisted realities of a fallen world, but this does not blind him to the beauty of God’s world (3:11). Nor does it cause him to despise God’s good gifts of human relationships, food, drink, and satisfying labor (5:18–20; 8:15; 9:7, 9). These are to be received humbly and enjoyed fully as blessings from God.
  6. The fear of God. The fact that “all is vanity” should drive people to take refuge in God, fearing and revering him (7:18; 8:12–13; 12:13–14).

Outline

  1. Introduction and Theme (1:1–3)
  2. First Catalog of “Vanities” (1:4–2:26)
  3. Poem: A Time for Everything (3:1–8)
  4. Fear God, the Sovereign One (3:9–15)
  5. Second Catalog of “Vanities” (3:16–4:16)
  6. Fear God, the Holy and Righteous One (5:1–7)
  7. Life “Under the Sun” (5:8–7:24)
  8. The Heart of the Problem: Sin (7:25–29)
  9. More on Life “Under the Sun” (8:1–12:7)
  10. Final Conclusion and Epilogue (12:8–14)
The Global Message of Ecclesiastes

The Global Message of Ecclesiastes

Life in a Broken World

The book of Ecclesiastes explains the world in all its complexity, confusion, and frustration with striking honesty. “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity,” declares the Preacher, echoing the cries of many who have seen, experienced, and recognized the dreadful fallenness of our world (Eccles. 1:2). The global reality both then and now is that our broken world is filled with oppression of the powerless (4:1), oppression of the poor (5:8), and violation of justice and righteousness (5:8). There is nothing new under the sun (1:9), no lasting earthly glory (1:11), no ultimately fulfilling pleasure (2:1–11), and no certainty in life except that it will end in death and judgment (2:14–16; 3:18–20; 6:6; 12:14).

In a fallen world there are many painful and complicated questions, but the message of Ecclesiastes is that there is an answer. That answer is not an easy one, but it is simple: fear the Lord (Eccles. 3:14; 5:7; 12:13–14). Though this world is filled with oppression and injustice, ultimately it will be well for those who fear God (8:12) and it will not be well for the wicked (8:13).

This world is filled with both blessings and challenges, neither of which provides ultimate answers or clarity about the meaning of life. If this world is all there is, then all is vanity. But when we trust the Lord in the face of circumstances that discourage us from doing so, we have a sure hope that we will one day be restored to him. Indeed, from a whole-Bible perspective, there is one who is the way (John 14:6), who is the comforter (2 Cor. 1:3), who is wisdom itself (1 Cor. 1:24). We will not easily figure God out, nor can we fathom all that he does (Eccles. 3:11). He is not a subject to be scrutinized or solved, nor are his ways easily comprehended (8:17). But God has spoken to us in his Son, who gives us the words of eternal life (John 6:68).

Purpose in Life and the Purpose of Life

The message of Ecclesiastes is that however difficult things may be because of the curse upon mankind in this fallen world, there is purpose and grace for all. There is enduring hope and satisfying life as we walk with God. The very gifts of God that, apart from God, prove hollow and disappointing, can be enjoyed truly and satisfyingly—not as the main purpose of life but as a means to know God in a deeper way. Our message to the world is that there is purpose in life regarding the blessings we receive from God such as food, drink, and work, but that these blessings are not the purpose of life.

Purpose in life. There is a proper place, time, and perspective for each season in life and for each blessing from God (Eccles. 3:1–8). The blessings of common grace are to be recognized as coming from the very hand of God. Work and its enjoyment are blessings from God (2:24; 3:22; 5:18–20). There is purpose in life for work, but neither work itself nor the hoarding of possessions are the purpose of life. When work becomes the governing purpose of life, when envy is our driving force, or when we seek satisfaction in wealth, we are left disappointed (2:18–23; 4:4). There is purpose in life for other gifts of common grace such as food, drink, and relationships (2:24–26; 3:12–13; 5:18–20; 8:15; 9:7, 9). The proper enjoyment of such gifts comes from God, who alone satisfies (3:13; 5:19).

The purpose of life. This then is the purpose of life: to fear God, who is sovereign (Eccles. 3:11, 14), holy in heaven (5:2, 7), and judge of all (12:13–14). He is the Giver of gifts and the one who grants even the ability to enjoy these gifts (5:19). In receiving such gifts of life we are to find our greatest joy in him (5:20).

The Global Church’s Mission to a Broken World

The book of Ecclesiastes provides a brutally honest and refreshing message for the global church to proclaim to the world. In one sense the Christian message is other-worldly, yet it also addresses the sober realities that face each society and every individual in every generation. The message of the gospel not only affirms the disappointments of life, it also offers the only true hope for meaningful living.

The Giver and the gifts. There is a Creator to be worshiped (Eccles. 12:1). He has made all things. Life is to be enjoyed as being from him and to him. The world must recognize the blessed common grace they have received in creation, life, work, and possessions. They should enjoy such blessings, but not as the purpose of life. The global church has a message of hope for a world that is “striving after wind” (1:14). Clinging to the gift rather than worshiping the Giver is meaningless. The wealthy are not to be envied, for they find neither ultimate satisfaction nor eternal security in their wealth (5:10–17). It is far better to enjoy fellowship with the Giver rather than simply enjoying his gifts, however good they may be.

The ultimate gift. Enjoyment of God is available ultimately because he sent his Son to die on behalf of sinners. There is none who is righteous before God (Eccles. 7:20). No one can escape death (2:16; 9:3, 12). God’s ways cannot be easily or fully fathomed (3:11), but he has indeed revealed himself clearly and gloriously in the person of his Son Jesus Christ (John 14:9). In the Son we have seen the one who both demonstrates and also empowers what it means to truly fear and enjoy God. There is grace abundant for all who recognize the vanity of their selfish living and remember and fear their Creator (Eccles. 12:1) and Redeemer (Isa. 54:5).

A sure hope. While Ecclesiastes sobers us with the reminder that this fallen world is filled with injustice, it also offers hope. Christians are to be active in seeking justice and encouraging the oppressed within society (Isa. 1:17). But we need not despair at the imperfect justice of this world because God will bring final and perfect justice one day (Eccles. 3:17). For the oppressed and the victims of injustice this is indeed good news. It is not vanity to fear and follow God (8:10–13). To those in the global church who suffer under persecution for the sake of the gospel there is the comfort that God does indeed see them, take care of them, and remember them.

A sovereign Lord. There is one who is in control. God is in control when times are good and when times are bad (Eccles. 7:14). We are not in control—which is a great blessing, despite the ways in which we often seek to control our lives. Our message to the world is to abandon striving after control and to embrace the one who is in control. Every building and work of art will one day turn to dust, but there is one who is eternal and whose works last forever (3:14). Our message to the world is to abandon the quest for self-glory and the accumulation of possessions and to embrace the blessed and wise God-centered life of sober hope.

This is the glorious Christian vision for life that the church must embrace and display for the world to see.

Ecclesiastes Fact #1: Ecclesiastes

Fact: Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes encourages God’s people to trust him in a fallen and often confusing world, in which sin and heartache touch every corner of the globe. We are to “fear God and keep his commandments” (12:13), even when we cannot understand everything that is going on around us.

Ecclesiastes Fact #2: Vanity, vanities, and vain

Fact: Vanity, vanities, and vain

The words vanity, vanities, and vain occur nearly 40 times in Ecclesiastes. Their literal meaning is “vapor” or “breath,” so they are used to describe things that can be fleeting or elusive, like the search for meaning and purpose in life.

Ecclesiastes Fact #5: “Eat, drink, and be merry”?

Fact: “Eat, drink, and be merry”?

“Eat, drink, and be merry”? Ecclesiastes advises those who serve God to enjoy his gifts of food, drink, comfort, married life, and honest work (9:7–9; compare 2:24–26; 3:13; 5:19–20).

S3:040 Ecclesiastes 12

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Ecclesiastes 12

Ecclesiastes 12 encourages us not to squander our youth. It is so easy to look at the world and assume we'll have all the time we want to live long, happy lives. We justify our modern-day priority list and convince ourselves that we'll get more involved with church after college, we'll serve more when the kids grow up, or we'll start giving once we secure that long-awaited promotion. We may even convince ourselves that caring for the vulnerable is someone else's calling.

"The Preacher" warns against this mentality. It's tempting to delay our commitment to God until it becomes convenient and comfortable. However, the pursuits of this world are merely "vanities of vanities" (Ecclesiastes 12:8). Ultimately, everything is meaningless. In the end, death awaits us all. So, how do we respond to this? The Preacher explains in verse Ecclesiastes 12:13: "Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."

Following God brings meaning to an otherwise meaningless life. It is what we were designed for. In Ecclesiastes 12:1, we are reminded to remember our Creator, to acknowledge that we are made in His image and created to be in an intimate relationship with Him. Life loses its purpose when we live outside of this relationship. Even the good things of this world fall short of God's design for us. In Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus explains that all the law and the prophets depend on these commandments: love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. When we experience a right relationship with God, we inch closer to experiencing heaven on earth; and when we are in right relationships with others, we invite them into this holy union. Ultimately, our hope lies in the anticipated arrival of Jesus, who will triumphantly return and eternally establish His Kingdom. The book of Ecclesiastes challenges us to resist the allure of the world and to live in the tension of the "now and not yet." It encourages us to embrace our true purpose: following God and living in relationship with Him.

This month's memory verse

Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.

– Exodus 34:6b

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to "fear God and keep His commandments"? How does this relate to the fact we are saved by faith alone and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9)?

2. What are specific things in your life that take priority over your duty as a follower of Christ? 

3. Sometimes we can set good and godly things (marriage, family, etc.) at a higher priority than our relationship with God. How can we ensure our hearts and minds are ordered in a way that puts God first?

4. Take some time now to reflect on being made in God's image (imago dei) and being designed for an intimate relationship with Him. How do these facts shape your understanding of your purpose and identity?

5. How does the hope of Jesus' return and the establishment of His Kingdom impact your perspective on living a meaningful life? How does it inspire you to live differently today?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

The final substiture enters the room for te literature class and it is John Dewey to speak on Ecclesiastes 12, Dear students, Knowing full well "the writings of many books is endless and excessive devotion to books can be wearying to the body", we will bring this discussion of Ecclesiastes to a close with some thoughts on the final chapter. As we delve into our exploration of literature today, I want to draw your attention to the profound insights offered by Ecclesiastes, a timeless biblical text. While my educational philosophy emphasizes experiential learning and critical inquiry, Ecclesiastes exceeds my views in several ways. As I look out over your young faces I am imagining you turning into the images of growing old at the end of the book. People who will eventually have trouble having trouble walking, working, seeing, all growing old. We are trancient. It feels futile. Ecclesiastes speaks to the transient nature of human existence and the pursuit of meaning in a world filled with uncertainty and vanity. Its wisdom, attributed to King Solomon, reminds us of the importance of humility and moral guidance in navigating life's complexities. Additionally, Ecclesiastes offers a holistic perspective on the human condition, addressing themes of suffering, mortality, and the search for meaning with profound depth. Its exploration challenges us to reflect on our values and priorities in the pursuit of wisdom and virtue. In a grand analogy, Ecclesiastes reminds us we will get old and the parts of our body will wear out as much as we might like to think 'it will never happen to me." While my educational views prioritize experience and inquiry, I recognize the enduring relevance and wisdom found in Ecclesiastes. Its timeless truths offer valuable insights into the human condition that transcend any single educational framework. While I believe in the pragmatic results and consequences, Ecclesiastes exceeds my views saying all things we enjoy will come under some judgement and scrutinty of God. There are an 'endless" 4 million metric tons of books on my Dewey decimal system in your day and as you students know "excessive devotion to that wearying to the body", but let Ecclesiastes be what weighs on your mind today. As we engage with literature, let's keep an open mind and draw inspiration from diverse perspectives, especially the wisdom of Ecclesiastes. True learning requires both intellectual engagement and moral reflection. In closing. remmmber your creator in the days of your youth. Thank you. John Dewey
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Hugh Stephenson

How much money did it take me to realize I’ll never have “enough”? How many cars? How many houses? ----------------------------------------------------- 12:1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; Repeating for emphasis- “I have no pleasure in them” 12:7 and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. In Eleven years in Prodigal, three times through re;gen, and three years co-leading men’s abortion recovery God has revealed to me the ‘vanity” of coping mechanisms and escape hatches. Even with the most toxic of addictions gone there is still a path Satan takes to tempt me into taking myself out of the race marked out for me. Rather than fully engage in the work of discipleship of others I’m tempted to escape into screen time watching sports on TV. Or stepping into the real toxicity of social media to read “the news”. There is noting wrong with these and others activities in and of themselves. The key is why I’m “using’ them and what my motive is. Over the last number of years the Spirit has consistently led me into other engagements that are more fruitful and provide many blessings. I can’t ever be complacent, (Genesis 4:7, 1 Peter 5:8). In this fallen world my sinful nature is constantly engaged in the battle in the spiritual realm. God’s call to me is clear, (Ephesians 6:10-20). But Peter’s reality of Satan as a “roaring lion’ is ever present. ——————————————————————————
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Hugh Stephenson

Ecclesiastes 3:1 In recent months I have been presented with many opportunities to focus more on my own spiritual formation and development in a highly focused, intentional, and structured way. In recent weeks and even recent days I have sensed the very strong leading and guiding of the Spirit to move forward on this new part of my journey. It is with this in mind that I will step out of posting here each day. I will still follow the reading plan- but spend most of my time “off line” in reading, journaling, prayer, fasting, and study. Psalms starts May 6. Perhaps then. Blessings.
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Ali. I thought your deeper dive crushed the last chapter of Ecclesiastes. I’m my mind there’s something about the Qoheleth’s poem in chapter three that sets up the 12:13 conclusion. There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1 The opening line of a poem that makes up the first half of chapter 3. Verse one is followed by 14 antitheses of each other the first one being “a time to be born and a time to die.” The next 13 antitheses are all related to a time between, a time to be born and a time to die. And between each antithesis life is lived Between a time to plant and a time to uproot, are all the days lived. Between a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, are all the days lived. Between a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, are all the days lived. Between a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, are all the days lived. Between a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, are all the days lived. Between  a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, are all the days lived. Between a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace…all the days lived. “Meaningless! Meaningless!”
    says the Teacher.
“Utterly meaningless!
    Everything is meaningless.” What do people gain from all their labors
    at which they toil under the sun? Ecclesiastes 1:2-3 Verse two makes a statement. Verse three asks a rhetorical question that supports the statement. If meaningless meaningless is the answer the to the question, what is the antithesis of vanities of vanities, or meaningless meaningless? It’s in how you live all the days between the toil. A time to ___, and a time to _____, doesn’t define life. It’s better defined by the days that lead up to a time to ____ and follow a time to ____. Meaningful is the greater purpose of those in-between days. @ Hugh and the stories of his journey that brought him to the place he’s at today. Thank you for all the comments. And to this from Ali’s bio-“I grew up in the church, but in 2016 I started questioning my faith after being overwhelmed by the injustice I saw in the world. By God's grace, He walked me through that painful season of doubt, transforming the rigid and performative faith of my youth into a deeper love for Him and His people.” This: He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 “To live in the tension of the ‘now and not yet.’” Well said.
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Sue Bohlin

Thank you, Ali. I am relieved to finish Ecclesiastes. My son, who has struggled with depression most of his life, just told me that between Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, it's been a rough time in JTJ for him. Quite hard to find anything uplifting. The nuggets are there, but buried in lot of other stuff. I appreciate how Solomon bottom-lines it: Fear God and keep His commandments. Stay in right relationship with God, remembering that obedience is His love language, and trusting that His commands come from a heart of love for us because He knows how life works best: His way. Doing life His way is the key to experiencing the abundant life His Son said He came bring us.
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Mary Anne Smiley

So sorry to hear this Hugh! Your posts mean so much to me and my community group! But I know God will use you mightily in the path he is directing you!❤️
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Amy Lowther

1. God is like good parents. He scares you sometimes, but He helps you get things done. Religious faith can help you get things done in life though it’s not always the popular thing or product sold on Amazon. 2. Nothing. 3. We can ensure our hearts and minds are ordered in a way that puts God first by reading a little bit about God and Jesus in the Bible each day and by applying what we learn from our readings in daily life. 4. It gives me confidence in everything I do. 5. It gives me positive motivation to value Jesus in everything I do. Ali - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You made a good point in saying, “It's tempting to delay our commitment to God until it becomes convenient and comfortable”. Resist temptation. Know God is committed to each and everyone of us 24/7/365, when we do good, bad, or nothing at all.