The Meaning of Life – Ecclesiastes D Fevig, January 11, 2022April 9, 2024 Many of us think about this topic as a new year begins. We consider resolutions, needed changes, perspectives on life. Someone recently asked me to write about this question, “what do you think is the meaning of life?” The gist of what I wrote follows. This question brings to mind the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes (the Hebrew word for Ecclesiastes can mean “gatherer”, “teacher”, or “preacher”). Traditional scholars agree that it was written by King Solomon toward the end of his life. Hevel The author uses the Hebrew word “Hevel” throughout the book. Hevel has many shades of meaning, including: “vain (vanity)”, “futile”, “empty”, “meaningless”, “temporary”, “transitory”, “fleeting,” or “mere breath.” It is usually translated as “vanity”, “futility”, or “meaningless”. It is interesting to note that Hevel was the name of the first murder victim in Genesis, translated “Abel” in our Bibles. His life was very brief, like a breath or a vapor. The second verse in chapter one begins this pattern: “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” He uses this phrase and variations often. Solomon Solomon uses the term “Hevel” to express his view of the meaningless of life, often using his own life examples. By human standards, he accomplished a great many things. He pursued the sciences, poetry, literature, philosophy, and was known for his great wisdom. He reigned over a vast kingdom with absolute authority. He was a builder and a writer. He was rich, and had many wives and concubines. According to the world’s standards, he “had it all”. But in the end, he says this in 12:13-14: “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.” My Story I couldn’t agree more with Solomon’s perspective. Although I am not as accomplished as Solomon in worldly success, I can relate to the part of my life where I was exploring new philosophies and the pleasures of this world. At the end of that period, I considered my life to be a mess, and it seemed meaningless. It wasn’t until I met the Lord and allowed Him to change me, that I found meaning and a purpose in life. To read my testimony in more detail, go to My Story on this website. The Meaning of Life So, what do I think is the meaning of life? This life is very short compared to eternity. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says that “God sets eternity in our hearts”. We were created to live forever with Him. I am no longer my own, but I belong to Him and I am accountable to Him. I try my best to do what He says. I know that in the end, when I leave this life, I will live with Him forever, and I want to see as many people with me there as possible, including all my family and friends. This new life of meaning that I have following Jesus is not burdensome, but the greatest joy I have ever known! Living Life Ecclesiastesmeaning of lifeSolomon
Living Life Give Careful Thought To Your Ways May 15, 2005April 24, 2024 Haggai – Give Careful Thought to Your Ways, May 15, 2005, Vineyard Christian Fellowship, Valparaiso, IN. The events of Haggai took place in Jerusalem around 520 BC, 18 years after the first exiles returned from captivity in Babylon. This short book has great insights for us. The Call God called… Read More
Living Life How To Be God’s Friend April 27, 2023April 9, 2024 In the Old Testament Scriptures, one man stands out as “a friend of God”. Isaiah writes in 41:8, “But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend…”. 2 Chronicles 20:7 also refers to Abraham as God’s friend. And in the New Testament, James… Read More
Living Life Job Teaches Us About Suffering September 9, 2021April 24, 2024 The book of Job contains human and divine perspectives on the problem of suffering. In my years of jail ministry, Job was one of the most popular and often read books in the Bible. The guys could identify with Job’s loss of most everything in this life. We can all… Read More