Have you read it recently? It would certainly be worth it. I am referring to the book of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament part of the Bible. It has much to say to us regarding the situations we are living in today! It is practical, relevant, and answers many questions which many people are seriously asking.
Ecclesiastes is written by King Solomon - a man who had wisdom - wealth - fame - and knowledge. He became king at 18, and was the third king of Israel - Saul - David - then Solomon.
He appears to be facing a crisis and writes about it. If you are facing a crisis then this book may be just what you need!
Now - he was king for 40 years - he built the Temple - he had success in commerce and business - he wrote the Song of Songs - and Proverbs - and two Psalms. Yet he comes to that point where he appears to regard everything as utterly pointless. "When nothing seems to make sense". We all want to leave our mark upon the world in some way.
He had done a lot of work - and yet he asks - "What am I living for? What is the purpose in all I have been doing?" The search for satisfaction is not an easy search - not without God.
Jesus Christ says - "Without me you can do nothing."
We come and go. Verse 4 speaks of that type of experience. Is he experiencing an identity crisis?
Who am I and what am I doing? If you can answer these questions then you are richly blessed - a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ - and fulfilling your role in the plans and purposes of God.
Selwyn Hughes in his most helpful and valuable writings refers to his "dark spiritual tunnel" which seemed to confront him during his early days as a believer in Jesus - but that can arise at any time - and the answer - the light which we need - can come directly from Jesus - or from the Word itself - or through a fellow disciple who comes alongside with an enlightening word.
What a way to begin your book - especially if you are a preacher or teacher - saying four times that everything is meaningless - pointless - empty.
Man's way of life was quite empty and meaningless before meeting Jesus. Peter refers to that. We have been saved and rescued from meaningless existences!
This man's expression of what he was currently experiencing is more relevant than many realize. I wish I could take you through the whole exciting book. Do read it and if you have questions contact me and ask me.
Sandy Shaw is Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship, Chaplain at Inverness Prison, and Nairn Academy, and serves on The Children's Panel in Scotland, and has travelled extensively over these past years teaching, speaking, in America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, making 12 visits to Israel conducting Tours and Pilgrimages, and most recently in Uganda and Kenya, ministering at Pastors and Leaders Seminars, in the poor areas surrounding Kampala, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.
He broadcasts regularly on WSHO radio out of New Orleans, and writes a weekly commentary at http://www.studylight.org entitled "Word from Scotland" on various biblical themes, as well as a weekly newspaper column.
His M.A. and B.D. degrees are from The University of Edinburgh, and he continues to run and exercise regularly to maintain a level of physical fitness.
Sandy Shawsandyshaw63@yahoo.com
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