Finding Meaning In Life

“Ecclesiastes” comes from a Greek word meaning “the speaker to the assembly.”

The Hebrew word for the book is Qoheleth, which is translated as “preacher” in 1:1.

Read Ecclesiastes 1:1

The further description of qoheleth (Read Ecclesiastes 1:12-13, 16)

points to Solomon as the logical person to have penned the book sometime before his death in 931 BC.

Ecclesiastes is important because it represents a persons journey for meaning in life.

Qoholeth emphasizes the fleeting and ultimately meaningless nature of human endeavors and achievements (Read Ecclesiastes 1:2)

He reflects on the cyclical nature of life (Read Ecclesiastes 1:5-7),

Human life is subject to forces beyond our control and that all our efforts are ultimately temporary

He emphasizes the value of wisdom and the pursuit of knowledge (Read Ecclesiastes 1:16-18)

Wisdom is limited, however, and cannot provide answers for life’s deepest questions

Despite the prevailing sense of futility, readers are encouraged to enjoy the simple pleasures of life (Read Ecclesiastes 2:24-25).

While these pleasures may be fleeting, they are seen as gifts from God to be appreciated in the present moment.

Qoheleth reflects on the inevitability of death and the fact that all people, regardless of their accomplishments, will eventually perish (Read Ecclesiastes 3:19-20).

This recognition of mortality serves as a reminder of the brevity of human existence.

Which complements the idea that our endeavors and achievements, ultimately, are meaningless (in as much as we are striving to find meaning in life).

Turning to the final chapter, we are given the final assessment by the Preacher.

Aging and Death Continue Beyond Us

Read Ecclesiastes 12:1-8.

Remember your Creator

Tremendously important!

The story of the people of God throughout all the ages is, in large part, a call to remembrance.

Exodus 13:3 And Moses said to the people, “Remember this day in which you went out from Egypt, from the house of slavery.”

Numbers 15:39 remember all the commandments of Yahweh, so as to do them and not follow after your own heart and your own eyes

Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.

2 Peter 1:12 I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them

Qoholeth is pretty much saying, “Don’t forget who is charge and what matters most.”

He then gets bluntly honest about life in the following verses: it is hard and full of emptiness.

Storm clouds block the light

Fear comes upon you

Loneliness and sadness creep in

Death comes for man, but the mourners are left behind to endure

REMEMBER HIM! (v. 6) before it is too late

Don’t get caught up with the false hope that is present in this world.

It is full of airbrushed models who never have anything go wrong in their life.

The Bible is true!

It gives you the entire journey of life with no holds barred: the good, the bad, and the ugly

Remember your Creator.

Remember Him!

Wisdom and Pithy Sayings Become Wearisome

Read Ecclesiastes 12:9-12

Solomon has been intentional about what he has said because he knows his words are impactful.

they are like goads…what’s a goad?

A: Spiked stick used for driving cattle.

The person who takes heed of what he says are like well-driven nails… they are effective!

He observes in verse 12 that there are lots of books.

it’s possible to be involved in constant research

it may make you weary in the end

and you may never find the answer to your question.

Fear God and Keep His Commandments…It Is The Only Thing That Have Implications Beyond the Grave

Read Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

By acknowledging God's sovereignty and following His precepts, we can find meaning and purpose in life beyond the temporal pursuits of the world.

And when we stand before Him in judgment, we will not be put to shame.