This Sunday we begin a new sermon series on the book of Ecclesiastes. This is one of the most interesting books of the Bible. The bulk of the book contains the words of Qoheleth.  Qoheleth is the convener or teacher who presents a series of questions for the reader. In fact, it appears that Ecclesiastes contains more questions than answers. Qoheleth is functioning more as a seminar leader than a teacher. He is forcing his students to think about their world view. He is pushing us to think clearly about life.

Qoheleth describes life as a vanity of vanities. It would probably be better to see ‘vanity’ as a vapor. Life is a vapor. Life is fragile, it is temporary and it is enigmatic. It is hard to understand. Qoheleth is describing life as he says, “under the sun’. When we question life, without reference to God (just life under the sun) we see that it is a vapor. Life is fragile and temporary and it is elusive.

All of us need to let Qoheleth ask us the hard questions. If you are an atheist or an agnostic, you need to evaluate your life and your view of life. But, even if you are a follower of Jesus, you need to evaluate how you are actually thinking and living now. Unwittingly, even followers of Jesus, begin to view life in unhelpful ways. Qoheleth will help you ask the right questions. The rest of the Bible gives us the answers to life.

Let me encourage you to read Ecclesiastes and use the study questions to interact with this great book that is often underutilized by many.

Read along with the church with this downloadable Ecclesiastes Reading Plan.

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